Tick-Tock
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!
Other works by Robert W. Service...
