Timeless Watch

Seeing is believing

Timeless Watch

As a general rule, Mr. Template, an elderly gentleman, walked the cobbled streets of South Town relying on his crooked cane to get about. His gait was far from straight as he hobbled sideways through the thoroughfare. He always made seemingly odd comments to people he perceived as being there, which might seem strange since they were strangers.

He hears someone approaching from behind with noisy shoes and stops them on the spot to inquire, “Is my top hat on straight and what about my tie?” A young man responds, “You look fine sir.” “Very dapper.”

The old man begins a dissertation with, “All watches have hands and numbers going nowhere in the wrong direction.” “It is your direction, their direction, not mine.” He interjects other thoughts along this line of reason towards his new found companion, who, fortuitously was going his way.

They meandered on the road as the comments continued with them, “Following the rotation of the Earth is worse.” “You follow the movement of the planet then copy its activity with the invention of a timepiece.” “What good does that do you?” “You follow it and your watch like sleepy sheep.” “I follow my own path in time.”

People on the street stop him to marvel at his jeweled wrist, adorned around it, a solid gold watch with diamonds embedded, neatly set inside the cobalt black face in perfect order. Each gem costing over $18,000.00. There are no hands or numbers. According to the ancient man it keeps perfect time.

Frequently someone will ask, “How do you tell time with no hands or numbers.” He simply says, “I look at the sky, then ask a passer-by if there is a sun today?” If there is or even the dimmest hint of light fighting through thick clouds, I know it is day.” “If I am informed it is dark then I know it is night.”

“The truth is, I am wealthy.” “I do not work.” “There is no need for time or knowing the time, to punch a clock, to run after someone else and their agenda.” “It is always play time.”

In reality time does not exist. It is a figment of imagination, an invention of man and an illusion. Just because a heart beats, ticking out the life of the owner, of the inhabitant in nature, does not mean it is a time piece to be copied. Life is a fractured matter. It is also fragile but that is another story for another day.

“I do not follow or mimic the rotation of the Earth or movement of other planets.” “I do not follow numbers on a clock, or beating of the heart.” “Numbers can run freely in all directions as far as I'm concerned.” “I am my own man.” “Now, my good man, what time is it?” “I am late for my optometrist appointment.” “I'm as blind as a bat and can't afford to miss my appointment.” “Being late is unacceptable.”   

Author's Note

Watch your watch