The Keeper of Time

Time never stops and we often forget that its there at all. It can preoccupy us or it can vanish completely.

The pendulum waved on my dear grandfather clock.

It spoke its usual, fair and timeless words, “tick-tock.”

It housed it’s pendulum inside its glass womb.

It was tall and tense looking, like an ancient tomb.

Hearing it brought me fear and apprehension.

Louder it ticked and tocked in dark tension.

“Quiet now for I am trying to go to sleep!”

Tick tock, tick tock, it was almost a weep.

My dear grandfather clock simply was and will be.

Nothing can stop its time, nothing, you will see.

 

Tick tock, tick tock, it just wouldn't stop at all!

It was speaking in its uniquely steady call.

Tall, brooding, and sulking, look at it there.

It called to me, but I was simply unaware.

Oaken all over, with twisting carves in its sides.

The gold decorated it like rolling ocean tides.

Still it grew louder, even at this quiet hour.

It had something, some mystical power.

I could not sleep, no matter how hard I tried.

Tick tock, tick tock, I could have almost cried.

 

Again I could hear the ticking, its own dark calling.

It spoke again, just as into sleep I was falling.

Tick tock, tick tock, I could not escape the sound.

Again, why did this clock not need to be wound?

I haven’t heard the bells in what felt like ages.

Surely this clock must have sounding stages?

I began to fear, loathe, tremble and despair.

But when did this gray get in to my hair?

“I do not understand you, why do you call?”

Tick tock, tick tock, nothing, and nothing at all.

 

The pendulum waved on my dear grandfather clock.

It spoke its dark, maddening and timely works “tick-tock.”

“That’s it! I’ll burn you down to the ground!”

It just stared, not making any other sound.

The fire had started; the entire house began to burn.

It was done now, no need for any more concern.

But what is this, I cannot even make sense!

It was still there, dark, oaken, and tense.

“What are you, foul demon, the grim reaper?”

“No, friend, time must always have a keeper.”

Reviews

[naznaz]

Hi!

This is a really amazing piece of work!

I love these sort of peculiar poems, and I think the speech used within the poem was a really good addition, as it really enhanced a very good poem, to an amazing one!

The end two lines are perhaps my most favourite and overall I loved all the maddening tick-tock-ing.

I have no criticisms.

[Trevor Jay Bloodworth]

Wow. I honestly don't know what to say. Thank you so much. Really. Thank you.

[Katiya K]

Lori,

Do you read Poe? Your beautiful and cleverly written poem reminded me of him. I'm glad to know that there are still poets out there who write like you. There is so much emotion that rang out from this poem. If I said that I have adored it I think I would be repeating myself forever!

[Sarah Conder]

This is a wonderful piece of writing! Rather reminded me of Edgar Allan Poe. An excellent rhythm and your choice of words is exquisite :)

[Trevor Jay Bloodworth]

Thank you Sarah.

[Ravyne Hawke]

This is a wonderful narrative poem, Trevor. I enjoyed the story and the rhyming was wonderful.. not at all forced. The conclusion was just brilliant! Great job!

[Ravyne Hawke]

Oh.. and I RR'd it to all of my friends =)

[Trevor Jay Bloodworth]

Thank you very much! I'll be sure to return the favor and read some of your work.

[Ravyne Hawke]

You are most welcomed.. you need to look up the writer David Lewis Paget.. he also writes wonderful narrative poems. I think you might enjoy his work =)

[Trevor Jay Bloodworth]

I will right away. Thank you for the recommendation and for RRs to your friends.

[Ravyne Hawke]

any time, dear!

[The Verse: A Poetry Jou..]

Wow, the build up is insanely good, definitely RR to every single friend I can.

[Trevor Jay Bloodworth]

Simply put: THANK YOU.

[Sheila Kline]

Bravo.............I really love this one!! The end lines are absolutely priceless!! You have a wonderful imagination, but it all seems so real too!

[Trevor Jay Bloodworth]

Thank you so very much!

[Diana]

It was reminiscent of Poe, particularly the tick tock, tick tock part. I also greatly enjoyed your personification of time. The last 2 lines were gripping.

[Trevor Jay Bloodworth]

Thank you very much!

[Meera Krishna]

amazing.....you should actually get it published.

[Trevor Jay Bloodworth]

Thank you. You're too kind.

[Sam]

Hey Trevor,
There is something unique and very special about this poem. As it started I thought it was all about the Grandfather Clock. You described it so beautiful even the deafening song it sings.
As the poem moves on you tell of your reaction to the song and described it as maddening. Still time ticks on. Then at the end you reveal it was the keeper of time all along. I love how much life you give to something as simple as a clock.
You have a real talent in writing and I can't wait to see what else you reveal. Keep writing. Because in my opinion the world with out real writers is as a empty as a new sheet of paper.
Thank you for sharing and thank you for writing.
Samantha

[Trevor Jay Bloodworth]

Oh my gosh, thank you so much. That was too kind. I'll keep doing my best. I tried to be as descriptive as possible in it while still giving it some rhyme.

[Sam]

Don't try just be... it is perfect just they way u write... just never close up. :)

[Haley M.]

This is a theme I enjoy - it becomes obsessive and even after taking action to remove it, the object still remains as it cannot be removed. It's eerie and dark - like The Raven.

[Trevor Jay Bloodworth]

I've been getting a lot of Edgar Allan Poe comparisons, which I'm cool with. Thank you for the review.