Hourglass

The old man lost his footing

on the second or third step;

God knows why

I looked up

to see his face open.

We both knew as his eyes gripped mine

the outcome. Time slowed down.

As if reacting to a clapperboard

a brown brogue slipped
on polished stone.

Intently I watched knees buckle

sending aged legs supple

catapulting him towards me.

I felt the unease of something much too close

and came to cinematically

with eager faces swarming overhead.

In fact, I viewed them from above

and they, in trepidation,

awaited my descent.