Michael+Usewick+and+Dale+Reyes

The Clock-Winder’s Tale Michael Usewick and Dale Reyes

A long time ago, in a land called Burk There lived an old man by the name of Dirk. ‘twas long before the existence of wire, But far beyond the invention of fire[1]. Now, in Burk master Dirk would sit outside, And bask in the sun as his wife had died. Many years it had been since this shocking end to a marriage that was not locking. So he would sit on his porch swing all day, On his viola a tune he would play. Waiting and playing, his days would pass by, Three summers gone in the blink of an eye[2]. Then one day he found a man he would see, And into the house he brought him with three Of his close friends he called in: Stan, Joe, Ben[3], Men he could trust to take into this den.

‘fore this story continues, I must give my spiel, ‘tis true that Stan was my uncle, for real! He told this story, and now I tell you, Wrote it on paper so you know it’s true.

Now back to my uncle inside Dirk’s place, An old cabin, built by long dead Sir Chase. Dirk sat them all down and brought out some tea, Strange drink to drink when midsummer it be. When they started to sip, ole Drik grumbled ‘welcome,’ and ‘hello’ back they all mumbled. ‘Now I've waited long to speak to such men and give them the tools to see what has been, what will be, and what is. Though this tool, I Fear, will do naught but make all want to cry.’

The young men, with all their youthful spirits, Took these promises, wealth to inherit! ‘Show us now!’ Bellowed the trio of men, ‘Don’t keep us a minute, trapped in your pen.’ ‘Fine!’ answered back the old man we call Dirk, ‘You’ve came just in time to see my old quirk’ Quick as a wink[4] he ran out of the room, Only to reappear with box and broom. He swept away the crumbs on the table, With purpose, making room to be able to place down his box, all draped in linen[5]. ‘Let me now show the secret, my children, The secret of time, past, present, future. My device, your problems it will suture. I know you have all come to great riches, Believe me when i say I’m in ditches[6]. I bring to you, after years of toil A device to bring your fame to boil[7] This device answers to the mystery, for all those who question my history. The question of why I must disappear, ‘cause my currency is all I hold dear. This device brings women, currency, fame, say what you want, if your want has a name. It will provide whatever you request, once i giveth you can finish your quest. This great device sadly does not come cheap[8], for I can only give to one of thee. It must be me! replied my Uncle Stan, for he did not know the means of this man. I must have it Dirk said the man named Joe, for his currency began to run low. It must be mine said the handsome man, Ben, for all his food came from his chicken pen. These men all had deep secrets of their own, all which only currency could atone. The three grown men argued with each other, for none wanted to live with their mother. Without this device all would surely lose their wenches they had so carefully choose. The memory of a juicy brown steak[9] and the smell of cooked meat, but a shimmer[10]. Longing was in the eyes of these young men, they need this device to be safe again. Dirk’s eyes shown in excitement ‘cause these men did not know they would make Dirk rich again.

Now, now, be calm said the old man named Dirk, a bidding for this device could not hurt. It’s clear you need this, and me as the host will carefully decide who needs it[11] most. Your loved ones and your children and your wives[12] will not suffer if you buy this device[13].

The men thought their decision through and through, all thinking this is too good to be true. Meanwhile, Dirk’s back began to drench in sweat, curious to see if any make a bet. Suddenly Ben said, I will bet my house, everyone fell silent even the mouse. Soon there was a burst of bets to be made and Dirk knew he was about to be paid.

I’ll give my wagon said my uncle stan and I’ll give up all the money I can. Quicker than the blink of a human eye, Dirk quickly accepted, pleased with his lie. My uncle gave as much coin as he had and looked at Dirk who looked like he was glad. Dirk took off in his new wagon and coins while trying not to burst out of his loins. What fools he laughed quickly rolling away, wondering how a man could be so swayed. Coin in his pocket a wagon in hand, Dirk was now free to always roam the land.

So that’s the story my Uncle Stan told, which he’ll never forget ‘til he is old. Know what you are in for he always said, else you’ll go a while in your mother’s bed. Thank you for listening to all of you, hope Uncle’s tale taught you a thing or two.

1. Appeal to Kairos 2. Idiom 3. Asyndeton 4. Similie 5. Visual Imagery 6. Metaphor for extremely poor 7. Figurative language/metaphor 8. Litote 9. Gustatory Imagery 10. Olfactory Imagery 11. Allusion to the device 12. Polysyndeton 13. Appeal to Pathos