Photo by Thirdman
Tick-Tock
Tick-tock
goes the clock.
Though I plead,
it does not stop.
A child who runs
and will not walk,
hides in a bush
around the block.
A speeding boat
that’s left the dock,
a flying bird,
a startled flock.
A thief who steals,
despite my balk.
All my dreams
and plans, it mocks.
An honored guest
with invisibility frock,
who slips away
after drinks and talk.
A priceless jewel
to guard with lock,
from idle hours
that tempt and stalk.
Tick-tock
goes the clock.
Tick-tock
Tick-tock.
© 2015, 2025 gratefulsue
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When I was writing this poem, I was trying to do several things. First, I wanted the cadence of the lines to resemble the ticking sound of a clock when read aloud. Second, I was trying to think of as many analogies as I could for the passing of time. Last of all, the second and fourth lines of each verse all needed to rhyme with the words, “tock” and “clock.” I was surprised when I kept on thinking of new possibilities, adding verses, and rearranging them as the poem grew in length over several days. I had a lot of fun with it!