Grandfather: Clock

My Grandfather worked with his hands.
He delighted in details, and kept on
Until all was perfect.

Although my home, growing up, was poor,
We had beautiful furniture,
Including a grandfather clock,

Made by my grandfather.
The Westminster chimes rang out each quarter hour,
Marking the passage of time.

My Grandparents gave us a wall clock
As a wedding present. For nine years,
It rang out the quarter hours for us.

Then we stored it. Received anew this week,
I am struck, four times an hour,
With the sound, a reminder that

Life is passing away.
Memento mori.
Remember that you have to die.

And so my clock says to me,
A reminder, wrapped in beauty,
That I’ve heard since childhood.