On Stopping Big Ben

On Stopping Big Ben Our bell is silent now; Silence marks the passing of each hour. The tower has no comment, makes no sound Despite thirteen tons of primeval power. Our bell is silent now; The sun dimmed in mute protestation The day it stopped, the day life turned Into a sentence lacking punctuation. Our bell is silent now; It used to speak, same call to all, No misunderstanding, no spin of truth, Unlike those below in marbled hall. Our bell is silent now; Our voice diminished across the sphere, Our orb and sceptre have played their part. This isle now travels in hope or fear. Our bell is silent now; For four long years it will draw its breath, And then exhale when hammer strikes, To mark the tides of life and death. Our bell is silent now; Its tone and timbre oft in doubt, Cracked and flawed like us all. We’ll all miss his freedom shout. Our bell is silent now; Its silence diminishes us all. As clods are washed away by sea, Who does the bell toll for? It tolls for thee.