Ticktock (The Pendulum) I sat cross legged at the far corner of the building, my eyes fixated on the man no more then twelve feet from myself. He had a estranged look upon his face, as if in deep meditation upon an unimportant thought. As I gazed deeper into this mans frustration I came to the conclusion, Time was the culprit. He was wearing a light red suit-strange for anyone in the area. Exactly every minute and forty two seconds he would reach into his front left pocket and examine his bronze watch. I adjusted my uncomfortable seating passion and again reflected upon the mans worry. I noticed his pant legs rising three and a quarter inches above his black polished shoes, laces fashioned in a awkward knot not common to most. I peer up at his long pale face now slick with sweat as he stokes his well maintained beard that only growth from underneath his nose to his chin. As I focused all my attention on him I suddenly had the urgency to check the time myself. I lift my right arm and view the watch so particularly strapped to my wrist. Two fourteen It read. I position my hand back to its exact position, while me eyes rise to lock eye contact with the man I had been staring at for hours. He seemed to glare with full intensity that I found offending-as if needing to know what he is searching for. We find are selfs trying to out stare one another, knowing full well that the man who looks away does not have superiority. Exactly one minute and forty two seconds pass and his eyes shift to his hand now raising his bronze watch. He checks the time and with great speed shifts his pupils back on my heavy gaze. With week strength the old man stumbles over, each step seeming to be his last. Standing now seven and a half inches from my presents he whispers. “Ticktock, Ticktock” I find discomfort again and alter my current seating arrangement. “Ticktock, Ticktock” he devilishly whispers. I try to find my voice yet am mind boggled for words. Again he repeats the now haunting anthem. With a slight shoulder check I stand firm on my feet, and with spectacular urgency march to the nearest exit. ** As I arrive home, still in shock I think, “What a strange man” he seemed so insanely fixated on the time produced by that bronze watch......Come to think of it as he stood near I dont recall hearing a Tick nor a Tock. I find myself now sitting cross legged in my chair dwelling on the actions of this bizarre man. In full panic, water now swelling as they erect from my tear spouts. “HE KNOWS!” I gasp in panic. For it had been true in all my years as a young middle aged man I had done nothing, But polish my old bronze watch ….......and every minute and forty two seconds take but a quick glance at time. Written by: Micheal Collins 3/12/2014
Posted on: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 04:56:12 +0000
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