Pendulums

So many people I have known,

Had serious issues over time…

Their behavior like a pendulum,

Repeatedly crossed some sacred line.

Each back and forth marked a second,

Sixty clicks equaled one minute…

If the clock retains a memory,

This is my 65^th year within it.

A pre-digital analogue sentinel,

Reminded me to walk the dog…

The clock announced the school bus,

While building next year’s travelogue.

Now I hear in the dark of night,

The reaper’s quarter hour chime…

The pendulum is stealing minutes,

From future hours left of mine.