The poem
Tick-tocking in my ear My dollar clock I hear. 'Arise,' it seems to say: 'Behold another day To grasp the golden key Of Opportunity; To turn the magic lock-- Tick-tock!
'Another day to gain Some goal you sought in vain; to sing a sweeter song, Perchance to right a wrong; To win a height unscaled Where yesterday you failed; To brave a battle shock-- Tick-tock!'
You measure out my breath, Each beat one nearer death . . . O God, grant unto me A few more years to be, That somehow I may prove My loyalty and love: Wind up this worn-out clock, Tick-tock, Tick-tock!