Too Late

 

It’s too late, the cat caught the mouse.

It’s too late, the train has left the station,

the trash men have come and gone,

the horses have left the gate.

It’s too late, the last act has been played,

the batter has hit the ball.

It’s too late, the virus has already spread,

the bed has been made.

It’s too late, way too late, far too late,

the grapes have been eaten and the sun

is overhead.

It’s too late, that bridge has already been crossed,

the last track has been laid.

It’s too late, the last loaf has been bought,

that war has already been fought.

Too late, my friends, the season for planting is past,

the first has finished last, the bond has been broken.

It is too damned late, the air has escaped the balloon,

the last room has been rented, all the icing has been

licked off the spoon.

It’s too late, all the votes have been accounted for,

all the dancers have left the floor.

The punch bowl is empty, and there is no more.

The ice has melted.

The candle has been extinguished.

The license has expired.

Gone is what you have for so long been waiting for.

It’s too late.

Who’s keeping time?

It wasn’t on our side anyway.

-30-

Chris Hanch 11-19-2020