Measured Moments

Moments measured

in tolled hours

          and half-pasts

 

Revealing the dignity

of old-world hands

 

Silent now,

still...

reminding me

of the time

Author's Note

I have an old mantle clock that was made by my great-uncle which sat in my grandmother's hall for decades. It no longer keeps time... but it holds it just the same.

Reviews

[Chris]

Hi Rita, been awhile since I last stopped by - sorry about that. This work held me... it touched.

As for repairing the clock - it would be worth it. People made things with pride and ownership. They were proud of the finished product otherwise they would NOT have it in their home for anyone to see. Find a repairperson with that same level of pride in their own ability and workmanship and regardless of price you won't go wrong.

[Rita L. Sev]

Hi, Chris - I’ve been gone a while, but am glad to be back.
I do miss the sound the old clock made - I’ll have to look into a craftsman to fix it. Thanks for reading.

[Chris]

Thank YOU for the writing of it.

[Cassie]

You have been so lost, glad to see you

[Rita L. Sev]

Cassie! So great to see you! 🙂

[Franky]

I find this to be sad. Is it at all fixable? I love old clocks. They are wonderful to look at and enjoy.

[Rita L. Sev]

Years ago, I brought my uncle’s clock to a place in my neighborhood that claimed they could fix old clocks. They told me that, to get my clock working again, it would be costly, and they would have to take out the original works. I decided to let it stand as it is. Thank you so much for reading!

[Franky]

This sounds a bit crazy but if I knew you I think I might ask to get it from you to fix it somewhere. Serious! I have very special memories of those types of clocks. Hearing them Chime and seeing them work and maneuver is very soothing somehow. Its almost like they ate keeping track of their owners lives in a way.

[Rita L. Sev]

Yes - I loved the sound of it! Timeless...

[m.s.early]

The authors note is as lovely as the poem.

Thank you for sharing it with us

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, M. S.

[Michael G. Smith]

I love clocks and poetry about them. Digital clocks may replace old face clocks for convenience but never for the character it lends to time.

[Rita L. Sev]

Agreed. I refuse to wear a digital watch! Thanks for reading, and for your thoughts, Michael!

[Samuel Dickens]

Do you know how this one touches my heart? My father was a watch and clock repairman, so I think I understand your feelings about that clock completely. From toddler to 7 or 8 years old, I hung out in his shop, playing with gears and springs while listening to the chorus of chimes, dongs, and cuckoos.

[Rita L. Sev]

So glad this one brought good memories for you, Sam. Thanks for reading.

[.]

A great tribute to the faithful clock!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you!

[Kelly Scheppers]

Your author's note to this reads just as lovely as the poem itself, Rita. Truly a keepsake!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Kelly!

[Einstein Noodle]

had to put this in my library Rita ... masterful use of metaphor (something i am trying to pay more attention to) ... well said! first class! blessing to read ;) i have my great grandfather's clock ... i remember my dad almost religiously rewinding it daily ... so it never stopped ... such a precious memory ... i have the clock now and have considered a time or two to have it updated to battery operation ... but things like this poem slap me up side the head and remind me "no way" ... love your poem! glad i found it!
E.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, E! I wrote this a year ago - almost forgot about it myself! I have thought about having the clock "fixed", but I just can't bring myself to do it... But I see it every day, and feel the nostalgia. :)

[Einstein Noodle]

:) big love and peace to ya! "fixing" can be a good or a very bad move for sure! ;)

[CD Campbell]

Hi Rita, I've been perusing your work, (and rereading) and like your whimsical style and outlook. I enjoyed this one in particular and had to stop to say so. CD

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, CD. I'm glad you enjoyed!