Before The Clock Changes

Write before midnight.
Quick. Don't let the clock change,
the date, don't let your present
become past.
It's now, not yesterday.

Don't write of times gone by
but times that are
and will be
and hopes and dreams
and fears and insecurities
and personal circumstances that we all understand
and tell us your thoughts,
your actions - for they are interwoven with
our own, impossible to separate - 
and while we have your words,
my dear,
you lead us,
for we look to you for answers
and you tell us where to go.

You are the scout, the messenger, the canary - 
a warning
and we shall heed it.

But come - for time ticks on and you must sleep.
And today's words must be written while it
is still
today,
or else they would be yesterday's.
You are not here to write of yesterday.
It is past.

Tell us, in these seconds, of today
and then leave the ball.
Do not linger, do not tarry.
Time is ticking on, my dear,
And you are our canary.