The Second Hand

The second hand: Around it sweeps
In tiny ticks, no wholesale leaps.
A weakling limb, it can't swing freely,
Escape the dial, perform a wheelie.
But it can mobilize an army,
Push forward time in ways that harm me,
Deduct another grain, alas,
From life's apportioned hourglass.
These unexpected strengths seem minor
Compared to a force both refined and finer--
The greatest persuader of its kind,
It has power to change a mind.