time is slowing down

i see

the clock has stalled,

not quit,

but is moving more

slowly in

its job

to tell time.

it's four o'clock

but it reads

three forty-five.

i think it might need

a new double A

battery

to be installed.

i find the bag of batteries

beneath

the sink

and look

for one more,

every type is there,

but the one i need.

once again.

to the store.