A Deadly Timer

The antique mechanism
of the old clock had stopped.
The winding should have been
enough -- and yet, though the 
pendulum swung back in forth
in perfect rhythm, no comforting
clicks emanated, as was usual, 
the reassuring pulse of a consistent
heartbeat, regulator of a healthy 
household. 

The big hand had paused, 2 minutes
of.  I thought, was this an angel, come
to my aid, or a devil, seething more
terror, personifying the foul deed
about to fully unfold?  She would be
here, at nine.  No doubt, her obsession
with punctuality.  2 minutes till, the
fiend had bound me to a chair.  Assembled
the deadly charge, painstakingly attached to the 
clock. Gagged as well I had no way of warning her.
2 minutes till...no, 1:58, 1:57, the clock's
now deadly hand had begun to again 
advance.  I heard her key in the door. 
One minute to detonation.  The door squeaked
on neglected hinges.  "Cut! All right, 10 minute
break" the directed informed us,  after shooting
for 4 hours non-stop.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

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Etgen-Baker Avatar
September 16, 2025 at 5:56 PM
how intense this experience must've been. Sounds more than exhausting. Great write, Joe! enjoy your evening, Sara
DiMino Avatar
September 16, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Hi Sara; just a fun, imaginary write. Halloween contribution.
Maverick Avatar
September 16, 2025 at 2:10 PM
You got shot for ten minutes 'by a loud mouthed movie director' and have Survived to tell the tale.' Praise the Lord And another thing I bet you are surprised at how well i read without glasses.. LOL)))
DiMino Avatar
September 16, 2025 at 6:09 PM
I know what you mean, Joe; number 4's for me if I am going to read anything. The Golden Years.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 16, 2025 at 6:10 AM
An interesting write! An actor suspended in suspense and mental focus, restrained in a chair only to receive a 10 minute breather after 4 hours. The sacrifice the audience may never understand.
DiMino Avatar
September 16, 2025 at 9:41 AM
People think acting is all glitter and Champagne. Some warm beer and long hours goes into it also, I can only imagine. Thank you, Kim. Have a great writing day.
Rose  Avatar
September 16, 2025 at 4:17 AM
Boy ! You had me at detonation, wow you surely know how to stop time ! Great one Joe
DiMino Avatar
September 16, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Thank you, Vie; made my day. Have a wonderful writing day!
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