The Timepiece

There was a time when watches were a joy To little boys who climbed their uncle’s knee, And listened to a solemn tock-tick-tock, And held in childish hands a mystery.

You pulled a watch from out its pocket nest, Which always seemed too small to hold its prize, A magic spring was touched, the case popped wide, And you beheld the dial with wondering eyes.

The watch was fastened to a heavy chain, With golden links, it hung across his vest, And once you found the way the crossbar worked, Your uncle then had neither peace nor rest.

And there were charms, a horseshoe, a stag's tooth, High on a blue serge knee, you saw them all, Or on a rough tweed knee that scratched your skin Where short pants stopped, you squirmed but did not fall. How dull the modern watch today appears Contrasted with the timepiece of those years.