Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Two Clocks" by Simon Armitage is a contemplative poem that explores the relationship between objects, events, and their symbolic meanings in our lives. The poem centers around two clocks in a bedroom, each behaving differently and seemingly influencing one another.

The poem begins with a straightforward description of the two clocks. One is reliable and precise, while the other is erratic. This contrast sets up a metaphorical exploration of how we perceive and interact with the world around us. The loss of the "good" clock under the bed and the subsequent change in behavior of the other clock – becoming a metronome until the first is found and then stopping – serves as a catalyst for deeper reflection.

Armitage uses the clocks' behavior to delve into ideas about interconnectedness and influence. The way the second clock takes over in the absence of the first suggests a form of empathy or understanding between inanimate objects, inviting the reader to consider similar dynamics in human relationships. This idea is further developed through metaphors such as emergency lighting during a power cut, riding on the back of a tandem bike, and gliding home with a broken engine – all instances where one element compensates for the absence or failure of another.

The poet then shifts the focus from the literal to the metaphysical, suggesting that objects and events hold no inherent meaning, and it is up to individuals to ascribe significance to them. This perspective opens up a space for personal interpretation and reflection, allowing for a more profound exploration of the relationship between the clocks and the broader concepts of love and private thoughts.

Armitage then extends the metaphor to a larger scale, pondering whether the principle observed in the clocks could apply to life itself. He speculates whether getting things "right on a small scale" between people might lead to a more harmonious and predictable existence, akin to the cause-and-effect relationship seen in the clocks.

However, the poem concludes with a note of uncertainty. The poet questions whether the clocks are indeed an apt metaphor for understanding larger life principles, acknowledging the complexity and unpredictability of human relationships and existence.

Overall, "Two Clocks" is a thought-provoking poem that uses a simple domestic scene as a springboard for exploring deeper philosophical questions. Armitage's use of metaphor and his contemplative tone encourage readers to reflect on the meanings we assign to our experiences and the interconnectedness of our lives.

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