My beautiful old clock

by Gene Bourne

Picture a beautiful, old grandfather clock. The mahogany cabinet’s deep rich luster a result of decades of loving care, sun, oil and polish. The gears, winding stems, weights and pulleys perform smoothly from years of maintenance. Every quarter hour it chimes a harmonious deep, resonant tone that makes you stop and listen. 

However, if it is ignored and dust and oil clog the sensitive parts of the movement–the heart and soul of the clock, it is a different picture. Then the weathered clock is unable to maintain accurate time, it chimes incoherently and eventually grinds to a halt. The overlooked wood cabinet resembles a neglected, cherished heirloom. 

Now imagine our elected officials and the United States Capitol Building as that well-loved grandfather clock. The matured cabinet or building’s exterior originally chosen for its beauty and grandeur has been ravaged many times over its two hundred twenty-five years but still commands reverence. Inside is where Senators and Congressman decide the nations course at home and in the world. They are the delicate springs and gears of the movement. 

At this time our political clock stands neglected, coagulated with oil and grime. It no longer rings boldly. It is inefficient and moves slowly, inharmoniously. Maintenance is overdue. A sage repair man is required to clean and recalibrate it. Or will our clock stop?