Before When, After How

 time tore down its bridges. life scattered its ashes. 

the little door creaked open. all dust and entropy. revealing a place too long hidden. 

a rusted chain fell off. 

the sum solved for when. leaving me with the remainder. 

yesterday forgot to dance. but her songs still played. 

the little dog bit down hard. but its claws were not sharp enough. 

and its prey escaped.