Goodness

Goodness knows I am not a good girl.
Time, you can attest to this, if nothing else.

As the second hand maps the clock, maddeningly,
As you warm yourself by the fire,
You must recall with eidetic clarity
There have been times I have faltered.

You know, in your perfect timelessness,
(I have been known to enjoy a good pun)
That no good deed goes unpunished and, Time,
As you have always been the gatekeeper of the
Hands of Fate, Those Who Dole Out the Punishment,
It must be of no surprise to you that
I have done my share of wicked deeds
To deserve Their notice.

But if I have not been good,
I have loved, and well.
And if I have been wicked,
I have done so not solely
To my own benefit.

So Time, I pray, be gentle as you breathe heavy on my neck,
And keep your grasping fingers clear of my throat for now
Lest I try to do good again.