The Clock Can Wait

For years, I woke before the bell.

This morning, the bell woke before me.

I smiled-and let it wait.

The sun laid gold across the floor  
Coffee warmed my hands once more  
A crimson coat. A violet hat.  
I liked them both-and that was that.

The mirror caught my smile just right  
I stepped outside into the light

I gave the world my hours  
And kept each promise true

Now one good hour belongs to me

To dress the way I choose

The clock can wait. The clock can wait.  
I’m right on time for my own life.  
I wear my joy in my own way.  
I’m right on time-the clock can wait.

My bright shoes rang on weathered stone  
A low drum answered with a beat of its own  
A woman in scarlet, gold in her hair  
A man in blue velvet was already there

Nothing was matching, and everything fit  
We wore what we loved-that was all there was to it

The clock can count the minutes  
The heart decides their worth

Joy never asks what year it is

It only asks to be worn

Not late.

Not early.

Right on time.

The clock can wait. The clock can wait.  
Every one of us is right on time.  
We wear our joy in our own way.  
We’re right on time-the clock can wait.

Right here.  
Right now.  
Right on time.

The bell struck eleven.

The music kept moving.

So did I.