Time – Thursday Doors Writing Challenge #TDWC

Posted bySuzette BenjaminPosted inPoetryTags:
Image credit: © Lois

Neither for sale nor for rent

this world’s collective rhythm

kin to all, related to none.

Its benches— to sit for a while

but never ours to own.

Neither for sale nor for rent,

Time — the ultimate door;

its chipped peeling paint; its

offered cloak of humility—

neither for sale nor for rent.

*

For:

Dan Antion’s Thursday Doors Annual Writing Challenge (#TDWC). Image credit: Lois

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Published by Suzette Benjamin

Positive thinker, inspirational, writer, faith

42 thoughts on “Time – Thursday Doors Writing Challenge #TDWC”

  5. What a profound and humbling statement this poem makes. Time, like the weathered door and the quiet house beyond it, is neither for sale nor for rent. It stands as it always has: unclaimed, unclaimable. We are invited to pass through, to rest on its benches for a while, but never to linger too long. Time offers no ownership — only moments, only grace.

    As I reflect, I feel time’s presence in my own life, especially through aging. I carry its traces now more visibly: in the soft lines that speak of laughter and sorrow, in the slowing breath that teaches me to listen, in the steady unveiling of who I am beneath who I thought I had to be. Time becomes less a race, more a revelation. Less a clock, more a companion.

    And the mystery the Poet presents is so profound! Through time, we are connected — near and far — kin by experience, not by possession. And yet, time itself remains unattached, a sacred rhythm that flows.

    I believe now that time is not merely a measure — it is a messenger. A gentle guide back to the eternal, reminding us that we are not here to own anything, but to learn, to love, and to let go. Whether our lives are housed in polished temples or weathered frames, what matters is the spirit we carry through the door.

    We do not belong to time. We belong to something greater — and it is through time that we begin to remember.

    Beautifully rendered.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You have expressed with such grace and humility your reflection on the poem’s subject/gaze — Time. Its value as only a measure of existense as you said so beautifully …cannot be purchased with worldly currency but a currency beyond and far greater: “Time offers no ownership — only moments, only grace.” A currency which, I feel and agree with you is grace.

      Thank you for noting the rhythm the poem refracted in verse and words. Your discernment is always epically spot on!

      I love love your insight that time is a lens through which to understand oneself at a deeper level, perhaps us as more than three dimensional beings moving through a linear experience offered by time’s moments..

      I am glad that you found good purchase in the reading of this poem. Bless you!

      Liked by 1 person

  7. So true Poet – time becomes less of a boundary and more a mirror, revealing parts of ourselves we couldn’t see before. Each moment offering a new angle and fresher clarity.
    I absolutely enjoyed reading through and pondering upon your gaze.
    Thank you for you kind and appreciative words.
    Wishing you a blessed Friday.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes to “revealing parts of ourselves we couild not see before..” what a blessing that is to look how far one has come by grace.
      Thank you for your blessings of reading and your fantastic comments shared and your best regards for the day.
      May your joy be high and lifted up this day.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re right, Poet, it is a blessing. Each of us carries our own sacred story, our quiet testament to how far we’ve come. And in reflections like these, we remember: though time belongs to no one, we can still gather around its table and share the wisdom it’s given us.

        Thank you for always making me feel welcome at your literary banquets. Every time, I leave filled…
        not just with words, but with something deeper: a sense of being seen, understood, and spiritually nourished.

        Thank you.

        Liked by 1 person

  13. “Neither for sale nor for rent” is a very effective refrain. It’s kind of bell-like. Time and its benches are indeed not to be sold or rented, though it does appear that maybe Time did stop here for a while.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Suzette–your poem was made for this door. It is wonderful. The door is interesting in that it is in an older section of town, along with a string of shops–mostly closed. This one was for sale, then for rent, then demolished. “Time” is just perfect for this poor door.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Oh so amazing Lois, I did not know all these details about the door’s history, Lois. Thank you for your great photo. You captured the details of the look and feel of the door beautifully. I appreciate the inspiration it presented. Have a good one.

      Liked by 2 people

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