The Clock On My Mantelpiece

The Clock on the mantelpiece Has a story to tell of love It is a memory left behind Like that of two turtle doves My mother was in middle school My father in her class They were friends from grade one How this bond did last. Mother had a problem Was always late for school Trouble was in waking As parents were in night pool. They both worked together In the country's health unit Her father was a doctor Mother a matron in Munich. So to avoid any embarrassment Father gifted her a clock Mechanical; with a chime and tock. She used it to all good use Cherished the gift from dad Not aware that some day They would wed after grad. I grew up with the click-clack The hammer chiming alarm, Alone at times I would admire Golden hands that bore a charm. They crawled slowly forward Across the face of time Every half hour it would Announce with a chime. Now the clocks gone silent Wheels have stopped to turn, I look at it in wonder Curiously filled with concern. I needed it repaired Restored to its place Needed a reliable horologist To save the clock's face. Read about just that kind In a Swiss country town Went there to meet him Hoping he'd do a discount. I was surprised to learn He would do it for free Cause that was the last clock made For a friend named Henry. He was young then in Munich Making clocks and watches to sell Had younger siblings Had to support by himself. His parents killed in war time When bombing over town They were in the cellar While we played in wooded ground. He called me back months later I saw the clock all done I offered him a token A new friendship had begun. Took the clock back home Driving all the way Placed it on the mantelpiece Where it stands till today.