Within the cracked and scarred mahogany frame, Black figures on the metal face Stare out of a faded rose wreath; In the dim, crude gilt on the glass door One scarcely sees the peasant women gathering faggots. The tarnished brass wheels keep turning; The lead weights sinking; The pendulum swinging -- After almost a century, "Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock. --" The yellowed mark says, "Brass clock, Warranted good." At night, A little old woman, Bent, wrinkled, white-haired; Blue eyes strained and dim; Cheeks still soft and pink, -- Stands on a chair to wind the clock. -- "Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock --" It strikes; Loudly the harsh, business-like tone Clangs through the house. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE STIRRUP-CUP by LOUIS UNTERMEYER ON THE EXPECTED GENERAL RISING OF THE FRENCH NATION IN 1792 by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD THE MARRIAGE VOW by LETITIA ELIZABETH LANDON COLUMBUS DYING [MAY 20, 1506] by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR THE MILKMAID by JEFFREYS TAYLOR IDYLLS OF THE KING: LANCELOT AND ELAINE by ALFRED TENNYSON ON THE STATUE OF AN ANGEL, BY BIENAIME by WASHINGTON ALLSTON |