It slipped through my hands

Even though I have
One shorter than the other,
I’m usually
Quite dexterous;

My job is
To keep people aware
Of the time.
But, on this occasion
Time flew by me,

It escaped my notice
As I was all wound up,
Anxious about keeping perfect time.

Then, one mistake…

And so, here I lay,
Tossed on the mantelpiece

Rejected,

As if of no use.

Never mind all the years
Of perfect, timely service.
I was his constant friend,
He looked at my face

And felt reassured,

I woke him in the morning,

I helped him keep appointments,

I was there at his wedding.

That’s forgotten now,
That’s history.

I have failed him.

As for now, who knows?
So, what is my future?

Only Time will tell…