THE GNOMON

see the stalwart gnomon
as he stands so tall and proud
but always on his pedestal
for off, he's not allowed

his job is to be guardian
and not to make a sound
but always be quite visible
if someone comes around

folks visit in the daytime
but at night they let him be
for that's the time the gnomon rests
there's nothing there to see

but every morning, back to work
a new day to unwind
his shadow follows him around
in front and then behind

you might say he is obsolete
and i suppose that's true
but lest the clouds block out the sun
he'll give his time to you