Friday Fiction: The Gift
Time will tell
Here’s a Friday Fiction, written by one of my author friends.
Jeanette Abendstern has been featured before, with her works Once Upon a Tea-time, and Maps, which both impressed me. Enjoy! Karl
The Gift
Taking a break
from his bench
the clock restorer’s
mind turned within wheels.
Absorbed in measuring
minutes and hours
how had he permitted
years
to escape?
Was pride in precision
simply an illusion
of keeping time?
A young boy
gazed longingly
at clocks
in the dusty window
as another child
may have eyed
jars of tempting toffees
reckoning
how many sweets
could be gained
for clinking coins.
Fresh eyes
eager to uncover
secret workings
spy
as
cogs mesh
pivots revolve
flywheels spin
coils unwind.
On an impulse
the clock restorer
beckoned.
An estimation made
pocket money
exchanged
for a slate-cased clock
in want of renovation.
On the next impulse
the clock restorer
lifted down
a box of parts.
A gift.
A wondrous trove
of mechanical magic
awaiting discovery.
Boyhood
many
intricate tasks
ago.
A rhythm set
to guide his tracks
the boy
though older now
still unpacks the box
selecting
pieces
by name and designation.
Understanding
the drive to impart
knowledge
skills
art.
Polished
restored to working order
the slate-cased clock
marks
progress.
At its centre
escapement
locks
frees
locks
frees
locks
frees
whilst
its heart
beats
encouragement
motivation
belief.
© Jeanette Abendstern, with and for Brian Leaver
Notes
Brian’s recollection of his encounter with the clock restorer of Easton in Gordano, 1966.
About Jeanette
Originally from Rochdale, Lancashire, Jeanette first visited Dumfries and Galloway 35 years ago and, through her long term partner, kept up strong connections with the region, before settling in Dumfries in 2018.
Jeanette has always worked in social care and feels she gains more than she gives in the privilege of getting to know people, absorbing and learning from their experiences, insights and stories.
Jeanette started writing poetry in 2010. She is inspired to write through love, friendship and the need to make sense of life. She has found inspiration, support, friendship and community through the High Street Writers, Rubble, Riot, Chaos, Brain writers, Moniaive Writers, WRITE! and Brave New Words open mic.
She stays in Dumfries with her long term partner, who offers encouragement and collaborates in some of her writing.
Very evocative!