The Chime of the Clock

The chime of the clock 
And I’m back: 

The elegant hall,
Portraits in ranked position,
Hopscotch over the shapes
In the worn Persian rug
(It was ancient even then);
The smoke from the drawing room,
Jovial military voices,
Academic conversation
The silver, polished and ready, 
The sound of the gong;
Seated promptly at table
Strict instruction given:
The correct cutlery,
Straight back,
Arms off table
Routine.

Artefacts endure
(Even the rug)
The clock repaired,
Voices, long silenced;
Time has passed,
A different house,
The clock ticks on.