Keepin’ Time continues my exploration of timeless transience.

The tone is intentionally curt and incidental, with a touch of linguistic freedom. It traces what remains of humanity when time loses patience.

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Keepin' Time

The days grow shorter and shorter

with each passing moment.

“It’s nothing new,” the elders say,

but I think not — it’s strangely fascinating.

When days seem short,

the hours dissolve like mystery,

while seconds race with minutes.

When weeks seem short,

the same is true —

only the stakes rise higher.

After so, when time crosses the finishing line,

and the hands strike three,

we bid goodbye to family and friends.

If time still races after that,

thank goodness — you’re in heaven.

If not, welcome to a place

where drudgery keeps you pacing,

repeating refrains of the past,

until time decides you’ve come to realisation.

Then again,

there’s another place

where time stands still.

By Carolyn Khor (Oct 15, 2025)