The antique clock that Ray had bought stood proudly in the hall
Its peaceful chime that kept the time spoke out to one and all
Just fifteen when he bought it home, a costly bit of gear
But Ray worked hard to pay it off – it took him near a year
That faithful clock had perfect pitch, not one strike out of line
Its pendulum swung back and forth in keeping flawless time
Our home was such a warmly place, as solid as a rock
A loving place watched over by Ray’s soothing antique clock
Ray finished school and got a job and worked to earn his keep
He worked by nights counting stock instead of counting sheep
A young boy full of wisdom he had grown to be a man
Wise and caring, full of life and ready to make a stand
But well made plans were laid to waste as war broke out again
The cry went out and answers came from all the brave young men
And we stood there upon the quay that cold and fateful day
We cried and waved and cried some more as loved ones sailed away
I cried into my pillow that night, I wept for my baby boy
I slept not a wink, nor dreamed no dream, just sorrow did deploy
And by the dark of night I lay in still listening to the chime
Of Rays soothing antique clock as it keep its perfect time
Months roll on and the years creep by and the days never cease
And war keeps all our babies there, oh how we wish for peace
But we also know our men are brave and fight to keep us free
We support them all with loving hearts though heavy they will be
Then the doorbell rang a strangely ring – so woeful I declare
I walked toward the glass front door to see just who was there
A shaft of light had hit my face as the door I opened wide
Two soldiers stood there staring back, I could do naught but cry
The call had come from far away and our hearts beat hard and fast
For news it brought had set us back and a shadow o’er us cast
We felt the pain deep in our hearts, our sorrow much to bare
And the clock chimed loud as if it knew its owner died somewhere
We shed our tears and said our prayer, our sadness would not ease
It grew as evening came along and mourned upon the breeze
And the sturdy clock that stood so tall let out one mournful chime
One last peal and then it hushed - and silenced for all time
In a list
A contest entry
- Winner Takes All.. (1000 points) by LeilaJayne.
1100 points, ended November 15, 229 entries
• next poem in this contest, • Add to finalists list, or remove from contest
Comments
1 - 19 of 19
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I had to read this one just because of the title I wrote one long ago about a grandfather clock Though mine had a different Take
I have hated the sound of any clock ticking and never have one in the house. This one though was central to a wonderful poem. It is strange how such timepieces can have so many different effects on ones memories Excellent rhyme,flow, and story line -
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Thank you. As always, your comments are very much appreciated and make my day.
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Gosh can feel such pain and loss.
cyber hugs hun.
Ann
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Thank you so much for reading. I appreciate it and thank you again. Will drop by tomorrow. Tonight, I sleep!
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This dear Lee, is your very best I have read...Perfect rhyme and flow...Just perfect! And your story...so powerful, and sad at the same time....This is my favorite of your writes dear Lee...No one like you can pen with such perfect precision, and tell your catching tales in rhyme
write, luv 
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Thank you. I am so glad you like this one. It took me quite a while to write it. I think this is probably one of my own favourites as well. Much appreciated.
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I absolutely love the way you write. The form you use is perfect and the rhyming pulls it all together. It's such a beautiful story...the way you describe everything puts the image in the readers mind.
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OMG. This is such a lovely heartfelt write. The story was beautifully sad. The rhyme and flow was perfect.
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Thank you. I am so glad you find my poems so good.
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This is a truly very brilliant and incredible piece!!! You are so amazing my friend you did a wonderful wonderful job!!! I love it!!
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Thanks, mate. Love your comments.
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Another wonderful write by you...Highly enjoyable read.
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Thank you my friend. It is always such a pleasure to hear from you.
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I hate clocks never have them in the house The ticking reminds me that life is ticking away (wrote a poem somewhere here about it.) Having said that, that did not stop me from enjoying this piece. A fine use of rhyme once again to tell a very poignant story Excellent
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Thanks, Legend. I like my clock. It helps me to meditate and sleep and night. I use the ticks to to relax the mind....and it works! I was always a lousy sleeper until i started that.
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This is truly an excellent poem. Rhyme ,rhythm and flow all add to the reader being led into the story being told. And giving the clock amind of its own as in the last two stanzas was brilliant.
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Thanks, Bob. I've been slack reading lately but i intend to catch up a little after the holidays.
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Major good poetry writing! I thought the next to last verse was wonderful, as you gave the clock a mind and heart of its own, and then when the clock ceased to run any more in the last lines was terrific.
Beautiful rhyming and overall execution.
One of the finest I've read by you condor!
John
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Thank you so much. Just finished writing this one last night. It took a bit of doing. Your comments are treasured.
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