Stolen Sands

by Nicole Wasylak

They tell you not to be a thief, but I tell you, they are wrong.

For thieves are conniving, cunning, and crafty,

And when the thief has nothing, she takes from those who are rich in treasure

But treasure is broad, and surely you already knew that.

For riches do not just bear the shape of coin, no, they come in many disguises

And time!

The needles that you should truly fear are the ones the clock bears, so I say, be a thief!

Be a thief, and steal from the clock, hoard all of the hours you can so you may use them to get drunk off the dangerously intoxicating potions the morning offers you!

Wrap yourself in a cloak of night and be as clandestine as time itself, which seems to have a habit of sneaking up on us the most

Go on, go ahead — rob the clock, the watch, the timer, anything and everything that ticks,

Put it in your pockets and abscond to where it cannot find you.

Your hours are more precious than the king’s silver and gold, so go, traveler, and be a thief of time!

May you steal the sands so you can one day bury the treasure of your life deep below its surface