Tick-tock

Robert William Service

Tick-tocking in my ear
My dollar clock I hear.
‘Arise,’ it seems to say:
‘Behold another day
To grasp the golden key
Of Opportunity;
To turn the magic lock—
               Tick-tock!

‘Another day to gain
Some goal you sought in vain;
to sing a sweeter song,
Perchance to right a wrong;
To win a height unscaled
Where yesterday you failed;
To brave a battle shock—
               Tick-tock!’

You measure out my breath,
Each beat one nearer death . . .
O God, grant unto me
A few more years to be,
That somehow I may prove
My loyalty and love:
Wind up this worn-out clock,
               Tick-tock,
               Tick-tock!

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