the clock

the clock
These hands are churches that worship the world
—Naomi Shihab Nye

These hands that pat, knead
stroke, clasp pen and brush
want to praise    they do
and will
The doomsday clock
now at 85 seconds 
from midnight necessitates, too

We need slow its pace, then
set it back    two minutes 
an hour, a year
That takes collaboration
and care

Glance down
see sacred hands
make miracles