Limerick Time
Sapphire and Steel and Freaky Clocks
Just as in the first ever 70’s reel
Of that classic show Sapphire and Steel
While here you’ll find no reason but plenty of rhyme
You’ll certainly begin to question time
It happens too often to seem real
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Every time I check the clock
I receive an unpleasant shock
It could be 10:10, 22:22, 05:50, or 03:03
Whatever the numbers I know what I’ll see
And now it’s spread to hubby it’s unlikely to stop
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So far we haven’t vanished and left behind
A boy and girl worried out of mind
The clocks keep going tick-tock tick-tock
Only my heart stops and drops like a rock
But for sure we’re in a bind
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What lies beneath this phenomenon?
A thing that feels so utterly wrong
What can be the significance?
For no way it’s any coincidence
And it’s gone on for so long
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I swear my words are true
And I don’t know what to do
Why do the numbers always match?
What could possibly be the catch?
I wish I wish I wish I knew
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Hubby just climbed back into bed
And his laugh and words messed with my head
'Ha! It’s happening to me now.'
I can’t get a grip on the what, the why, or the how
For my arms are full of a profound sense of dread
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Which is why instead of sleep
I’m here writing so as not to weep
We both saw the ominous digits—03:03
Could it be some sort of key?
Whatever it opens, this time river runs too deep
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So if, dear reader, suddenly I go away
With neither word nor warning, I say
'It’s been nice knowing you—a real blast
'But where to look—future or past?'
No, don’t seek, for safe I’d like you to stay
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Each time you check your clock—if you dare
Squint your eyes and take due care
Don’t look too close nor too long
Just in case this curse passes on
And pulls you into this limerick nightmare
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Now that I’ve given you rhyme and fright
I’ll hit send and call it a night
And though the numerals glow 04:04
It’s time for me to close this dark ditty-door
And may all in your world be filled with love and light!
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[Author's Note: I'm not sure about humorous or ludicrous, but this certainly strikes me as absurd. For as long as I can remember, this has happened to me roughly 99% of the time I check the time on the digital clock in the bedroom. And this morning, after hubby had gotten up in the night and returned to bed, he looked at the clock and laughed. Then he said, 'Ha! It's happening to me now!' So, of course, I opened my bleary eyes and checked the time ... 03:03 ... I kid you not! After that, try as I might, I could not get back to sleep as the verses for this darn limerick kept running through my sleep-deprived-addled brain. So, as I'm such a generous soul, I'm now sharing this bit of nonsense with my Vocal friends! 😉]
About the Creator
Harmony Kent
The multi-genre author who gets write into your head
I began writing at 40 after a life-changing injury. An avid reader & writer, I love to review & support my fellow authors.
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Comments (9)
I love this, it was fun and engaging! You had me entranced and I fear I'll be clock watching all day, subconsciously wanting to see the numbers but not catch the curse! 😜
Funny you mention about the numbers, I always seem to see 9:11.
I love your work it is refreshing. Thank you very much for the wind and the opportunity to read your precious work.
Wow, well done! This piece is put together so great, such great flow and creativity! Personally I am superstitious - if I glance at the clock and it reads a numerical, like 2:03, or 3:04, I make myself look back at the clock a few minutes later. Wild how the mind works!
I often see repetitive numbers on clocks at home and everywhere. When I do, I pause and say a prayer. I think angels visit and playfully remind they are with us. ❤️
I chuckle out of this, and can so relate. For me, the numbers come in series of threes: 1:11, 2:22, 3:33, 4:44, 5:55. I can't tell you how many times that happens to me---and I LOVE when it happens! 😁
I don’t have a clock next to my bed so I have to get up to check the time. It rarely happens.
Oh my! I, too have the numbers plague. :) My favorite, 3:33. Well done, Harmony!
Well done, Harmony. This would drive me nuts, so I hope it is not contagious.