Home » Poems » Sara Etgen-Baker » The Grandfather Clock

Sara Etgen-Baker | + Follow Poet |

The Grandfather Clock

Poet's Notes

(Show)

Become a Premium Member and post notes and photos about your poem like Sara Etgen-Baker.

(Image courtesy of pendulumofmayfair.co.uk)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In a dusty, dark corner of Granddad's old house, sits a tall, wooden worn-out clock. It has seen its share of memories and pain, keeping perfect time with a rhythmic tick and a tock. From weddings to funerals, losses, and gains, sorrows and days filled with fun. What once was brand new, through the passing of days, has wrinkled and faded by sun. With busy days past, the clock sits at its post as it has done for years before. The breezes from the front door, infrequent at best, cease moving across the wooden floor. Tired now from its lifetime of work watching over the house, was this clock. As the sun now sets on another arduous day, the peaceful clock gives its last tick and last tock.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Stephan McBride

Date: 4/20/2024 7:00:00 AM

Love your poem , my parents have one of these, very much to learn from your message: )

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/20/2024 5:39:00 PM

thanks, Stephan. I miss my granddad's grandfather clock. It always whispered wisdom to me, hence the inspiration for this poem. Have a pleasant evening, blessings, Sara

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 4/19/2024 2:32:00 PM

I sense the nostalgia that old clocks bring. At one time, we depended on them. Thank you for this poem of remembrance.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/19/2024 4:52:00 PM

Yes, we did depend on clocks...I sometimes miss the sound of ticking clocks..and the subtle passage of time...not the same with a digital watch or my phone. Appreciate you and your visit this evening, hugs, Sara

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 4/19/2024 10:43:00 AM

Hello Sara, i have always love the grandfather clock. it has beauty and charm. Same for the grandmother clock. Hugs. /Darlene/

Darlene De Beaulieu
Date: 4/20/2024 11:20:00 AM

Hello Sara, I love them . I alos l;ike the coo coo clock. Huygs. /Darlene/

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/19/2024 4:51:00 PM

I agree with you, Darlene. I miss my family's grandfather clock and all it represented. Thanks for visiting and commenting. Have a pleasant evening, hugs, Sara

Jay Narain

Date: 4/19/2024 9:57:00 AM

"I enjoyed reading your lovely poem on grandfather clock. It is becoming extinct in modern age. But it has its own silent and majestic graace.. Enjoy your weekend!!

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/19/2024 10:00:00 AM

I agree....grandfather clocks are akin to dinosaurs...but they're beautiful. Hope their beauty will keep them from becoming extinct. Have a splendid day, Sara

Vijay Pandit

Date: 4/19/2024 5:51:00 AM

A keepsake treasure--reminiscing in wonderful memories. A meaningful ode to your grandfather's clock.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/19/2024 9:59:00 AM

thanks for your visit and your encouraging remarks. Wishing you a wonderful day, Sara

Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 4/19/2024 5:06:00 AM

Dear Sara, I liked how you showed the passage of time and the remarkable role of an old clock in preserving memories within the walls of Granddad's house. This poor, worn-out clock, witnessing life's joys and sorrows is very touching. It shows the transient nature of existence, where even inanimate objects hold stories and emotions. I loved how your words evoke a sense of nostalgia and reverence for the quiet guardians of our past. This is such a touching reflection— to cherish the moments that shape our lives. Have a wonderful weekend! - Blessings, Daniel

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/19/2024 5:40:00 AM

thank you for your mindful comments and insights into my poem with its imagery and symbolism. I'm grateful you felt the reverence and the transitory nature of existence. I always appreciate your in depth reads and look forward to them. Have a blessed day, Sara

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 4/19/2024 1:42:00 AM

I have a smaller version of an old grandfather clock, which alas doesn't work. Maybe a good thing because it won't wake me in the night. Lovely metaphoric poem.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/19/2024 4:45:00 AM

I agree, Victor. I inherited a family heirloom chiming clock that no longer works. Would cost major bucks to have it repaired and stored...probably for the best because I'm a light sleeper. Thanks for dropping by. Have a pleasant day, Sara

Jeanette Swan

Date: 4/19/2024 12:40:00 AM

There is something so symbolic about these grand old clocks. It is hard to imagine it when new and novel, but easy to think it's the last tick. I have a clock-repairing friend who takes these gentlemen in his car for heart surgery in the workshop- also a skill that is being lost. I love how you personify the watchfulness of this clock (it does have a face after all). Lovely. J:)

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/19/2024 4:44:00 AM

I agree, Jeanette. Grandfather clocks are symbolic. Unfortunately, with digital watches, etc., the allure of grandfather clocks and their repair is disappearing. I wish I knew someone here that could perform heart surgery on an heirloom clock I inherited. It's beautiful. Thanks for visiting and for commenting. Wishing you a splendid day, hugs, Sara

Eve Roper

Date: 4/18/2024 10:16:00 PM

I love the sound of a grandfather clock and a cuckoo clock. Love the write

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/19/2024 4:42:00 AM

Me too, Eve. My grandfather had a cuckoo clock from Germany. It was a gem. Thanks for stopping by, hugs, Sara

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 4/18/2024 9:37:00 PM

So many good memories attached to clocks, and objects that mean so much, with the passing of time. Your lines are full of nostalgic moments, wonderfully put Sara, it was a pleasure to read :)

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/19/2024 4:41:00 AM

thank you, Rose. Your comments, like you, are most kind and thoughtful. Glad my poem was a pleasurable read. Wishing you a splendid day, hugs, Sara

Valsa George

Date: 4/18/2024 8:49:00 PM

Dear Sara, this poem brings a lot of sweet memories to me. I saw the grandfather clock for the first time at my paternal uncle's house. He worked abroad for some years. When he came back, he brought this clock. For us children, it was an object of endless curiosity. This grandfather clock in your grandfather's house must have witnessed the hey days and days of adversity alike and still stands as a mute witness to the incessant flow of time. A beautiful poem, dear Sara.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/19/2024 4:40:00 AM

thanks for sharing your personal experience with a grandfather clock. Like you, I was fascinated with my grandfather's clock. Even now when I see a grandfather clock, images of my grandfather pop into my mind. Thanks for your thoughtful comments. Have a great day, hugs, Sara

Sotto Poet

Date: 4/18/2024 8:16:00 PM

Dear Sara, Wow, your poetry on growing older is truly breathtaking. A grandfather's antique clock, which has seen many things throughout its long existence, is the center of the story. You have given the clock and its environment a vivid description through your word choice, which highlights its age and wear. "Tick" and "tock" are rhythmic terms that add to the idea of time going steadily. Throughout the clock's long history, images of weddings, funerals, grief, and happy days conjure up a wide range of emotions.

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/19/2024 4:40:00 AM

thank you, dear Sotto, for your complimentary words and for your insightful 'eyes.' Glad you appreciated the nuances in my poem. Wishing you a pleasant day, your poetess friend in Texas, Sara

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/19/2024 4:39:00 AM

thank you, dear Sotto, for your complimentary words and for your insightful 'eyes.' Glad you appreciated the nuances in my poem. Wishing you a pleasant day, your poetess friend in Texas, Sara

Gershon Wolf

Date: 4/18/2024 8:11:00 PM

'Batteries not included,' eh, gramps?! Seriously, this is such a poignant tribute to a 'good friend.' A 'timely piece.' ~ Gershon

Sara Etgen-Baker
Date: 4/19/2024 4:37:00 AM

aww, thank you Gershon, for your thoughtful & 'timely' comments. I appreciate your encouraging words. Have a splendid day, Sara