Broken Clock
A poem by Teresa Sargeant

Broken Clock

With the numbers I display on my face
and my spinning hands,
I keep track of time
but it’s out of my control.
Time operates without my say.
Time keeps advancing
in spite of me dying.
The one for whom I tell time,
he says he no longer needs me.
He says, ‘It’s time for me to move on.’
My gears grind.
My wooden frame warps.
Each tick tick sounds
more like BANGS
with each passing.
He won’t replace my batteries.
He inspected me and says,
‘It’s better to get a new clock.’
Though I’m warped, worn, and weary,
my time has not expired.
Though my batteries are dying,
I am not.

About the Author:

Teresa Sargeant is a journalist, author, and poet who lives in Orlando, Fla. She is a member of the Florida State Poets Association (FSPA). Lately, her poetry has been featured in the FSPA’s Cadence 2023 poetry anthology. She is publishing her new poetry collection in early 2024. Find more of her work on www.teresaesargeant.com, and on her Instagram @teresaesargeant.

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