The Cuckoo Clock

From “The Birthday” BUT chief—surpassing all—a cuckoo clock! That crowning wonder! miracle of art! How have I stood entranced uncounted minutes, With held-in breath, and eyes intently fixed On that small magic door, that when complete The expiring hour—the irreversible— Flew open with a startling suddenness That, though expected, sent the rushing blood In mantling flushes o’er my upturned face; And as the bird, (that more than mortal fowl!) With perfect mimicry of natural tone, Note after note exact Time’s message told, How my heart’s pulse kept time with the charmed voice! And when it ceased made simultaneous pause As the small door clapt to, and all was still.

Collection: 
English
1806
Caroline Bowles Southey
Sub Title: 
Descriptive Poems: II. Nature and Art

More from Poet

  • The Young Gray Head

    Grief hath been known to turn the young head gray,— To silver over in a single day The bright locks of the beautiful, their prime Scarcely o’erpast; as in the fearful time Of Gallia’s madness, that discrownèd head Serene, that on the accursèd altar bled Miscalled of Liberty. O martyred Queen!...

  • The Cuckoo Clock

    From “The Birthday” BUT chief—surpassing all—a cuckoo clock! That crowning wonder! miracle of art! How have I stood entranced uncounted minutes, With held-in breath, and eyes intently fixed On that small magic door, that when complete The expiring hour—the irreversible— Flew open with a...