the clock tower

For my good friend Bill H. Rest In Peace

In the clock tower yesterday 

a cog broke a tooth

The townsfolk

pooled into a crowd at its base

on a cobblestone street

Their eyes disarrayed,

contemplated the stilled hands,

stared pensively into its motionless face

That afternoon time ceased

The town horologist gathered springs

and tension wire 

weaved between the townsfolk with his case

and disappeared inside

Children sang as they did in those days

holding hands in chorus

while the parents gathered flowers and 

shared pleasantly toned condolences

Some brought pies

and warm cakes 

and munched on memories

After some time I suppose

things will be back to normal;

the townsfolk will recite

the day time stood still in the square

and who gathered 

and who brought flowers

and who sang

and remember how they felt

As for me,

I will send a card to the horologist

with a donation for his service

and a flower for his table

and a cake for his children

In a matter of three days

the old broken cog was buried

and the clock had a new face,

and of those attending the funeral

who were old enough to remember

the time before the clock,

when it became new,

told us their stories 

I will remember the sound

of the old clock's tick tock in my ear

and the grace of its wise old face

fondly

Author's Note

Tonight I will visit the funeral home and see my friend Bill in a casket. His time (here anyway) has stopped. Family and us friends will gather around and share the parts of our lives he blessed. He was good man. He was an asset to his community and a blessing to the lives he touched. I will miss him.

Reviews

[Shirlena]

Your friend would think this was probably the best tribute/eulogy to him he ever heard. He must've been a great guy leaving an indelible impression on you. This was written almost like a story book of this man and the legacy of love he left on those who knew him. He would have to be impressed to tears of hearing himself spoken of in such high regard and charm. I'm glad your poems are the last I read today and I hope you will read mine without me prodding you in return...at least from time to time :). You sure can write.

[m.s.early]

Thank you truly Shirlena. I was reviewing yours as you were reviewing this one. You are a writer to be respected and the comments on your work attest to that. Thank you for your gracious comments :)

[Shirlena]

You're welcomed...it is well deserved. I promise I wouldn't say it if it wasn't :).

[B.J]

A tribute to a special friend. Uniquely written from the heart

[m.s.early]

Thank you so much Barb. He was a special type of person. :)

[B.J]

They are special people our friends well done

[lost girl]

Do you know that you are a blessing to those of us who cannot articulate clear and concise thoughts in times of despair or sadness. I have found that the way you write what your mused by is contagious. I read you ..and I am sitting here...head tilted ....thinking OMG this death is beautiful...life is wondrous! I wanna write..I wanna read....I wanna create. I WANT BEAUTY AND DEATH AND LIFE AND LOVE and it can be mine! All that from just your words and I haven't even left the house yet today. :) YOUR A FANTABULOUS WRITER! ( yes, it is a thing...FANTABULOUS - above and beyond fabulous.)Write on...

[m.s.early]

Thank you so much lost girl. That was a very sweet review. I really appreciate those heart felt thoughts :)

[Mia Sparrow]

time had stopped when a part of the clock was broken. that afternoon people gathered together and honored the passing of a loved one that may have been tradition. was it because of the passing that the clock stop or did the clock stop because of the passing. i think the horologist played an essential part in the story in bringing time back to life. its good to remember a seemingly inocuous character and show him gratitude the way the narrator did. i'm sorry for your loss, love.

[m.s.early]

Thank you for recognizing the significance of horologist. Even at a time of great despair, time continues for those of us in the wake. Thank you for your words and thoughts. They are quite important to me.

[paul sal.....]

Perhaps death is not a grim reaper, he is just doing a job and can't be blamed for times end. ...........so lets all live life as well as Bill did for I am sure his passing was truly blessed, not a bad road to follow i am sure we all know someone like Bill, does that same person exist in the mirror? beautiful, touching poem Mr Silver

[m.s.early]

Death is the great equalizer indeed. You ask a poignant question. Are we satisfied with who we see in the mirror? Thank you for your comments.

[BlackRose]

Uniquely superb. What a way to honor your friend. I know up there he is loving his. I have lost great kind people in my life too you can't replace. It's really sad indeed when it happens.

Time may stand still but not of wonderful memories never to be forgotten.

[m.s.early]

Thank you for your comforting words BlackRose. God Bless :)

[BlackRose]

Oh, your very welcome. :o)

[Claire in VA]

Creative words written in honor of your friend Bill.
This seems to be your most personal, powerful, and
touching written work yet. It enhanced my senses, tore
through my heart, and brought me to my knees.
Bill would be honored that you wrote this tribute.

Not for the the meaning but for the clock theme, I am
reminded of Poe's short story about the village of
Vondervotteeimittis. (wonder-what-time-it-is)

I am very sorry for your loss. I, too, have been experiencing
the raw emotions of death of late.

God's promises confirm that our heartbeats may be numbered
but that forever remains if we choose it. I know, my dear friend,
that this gives you the comfort that you need.

[m.s.early]

I suppose the older we get the more of it we experience. Thank you for your kind words. God bless you :)

[Lyn Anderson]

What an interesting tribute to a friend and important person in your life. God bless.

[m.s.early]

Thank you KL. Blessings to you too, friend :)

[Sami Khalil]

Sorry for the loss. I like the analogy and the tribute in this poem. Those who touch our lives make indelible marks on our souls. May he rest in piece. A wonderful poem...:..............

[m.s.early]

There is beauty in all things. The end of this life is not the end of life. Thank you Sami :)

[Sami Khalil]

Yep. You are welcome...:).................