Stopping the Starting Gun

Another shot at the starting gun—
If you get a steady bead on it
You might be able to hit it yet—

Between the cat naps that pass for sleep
In a hospital bed, and dawn
That can never be avoided

No matter how gray or delayed,
There is a narrow rifle slot
The starting gun is nuzzling through.

You need to get it then. You need
To hit it clean, knock the barrel
Sideways, don’t start the gun again.