Tokens of Time

Solemnly pronounced, the chimes
Denominate behaviors
As agreed by the people

Who invented time. They show
The signs of three billion years
Of living things fitting in

To the periodic shifts,
The rhythmic changes later
To give rise to numbering.

Each pendulum’s an omen
As well as evidence, sign
That, while change is permanent,

There’s always some resemblance,
Nominal haunting retained,
And it’s that sameness that’s time.