Pause between Clock Ticks

Like a caught breath
the pendulum stays,
a dewdrop hinges
to a leaf’s edge,
an ant spies a crumb,
a ray of sun meets
its reflection, a bird’s
wing arches to beat
a glance begun, pulse
on tiptoe, a wave crest
hovers, a sigh breaks,
all held at zero motion
while ‘‘yes’’ trembles on lips,
‘‘no’’ waits to be said.