The big hand moves

the hour strikes

what once was now

is past

gone forever

except in regret

Another hour begins

opportunity presents

another try

to get it right

before it too passes

another challenge unmet

Hour after hour

day after day

the battle continues

each little gain

erased by loss

not easy to forget

Beset by fear

the time draws near

shaping denial

more willing

not as able

no way to reset

The big hand moves

the hour strikes

all effort spent

all hope drained

the time has come

to accept fate's debt