BBS Second Year English Business Communication (New Course 2078)

The Clock Tower

Bhupi Sherchan

Summary of the Poem The Clock Tower by Bhupi Sherchan

After military personnel are retired, their military uniforms become useless. They wear those clothes no more. But they like to keep the clothes which give them a sense of pride. Some of these clothes are already worn out. Some are damaged by rats. Therefore, they distribute the rest of the clothes among their close friends and relatives.

In this way, all the military clothes are gone one by one. But there are two more things which the ex-soldiers want to save to show themselves off. These are the signs of their heroic army life, symbols of their bravery. One is the old-modelled, round pocket watch, and the other is the old hat. Ghantaghar, the Clock Tower, is similar to them. It also has a large clock. And its little roof looks like a soldier’s hat.

Every pensioned soldier has to pass long, sad days in his old age. Built centuries ago, Ghantaghar has also become old. Its shadow falls on Ranipokhari. On the bank of this pond, as Ghantaghar stands, it looks like a brooding old soldier.

Theme/ Interpretation of the Poem The Clock Tower by Bhupi Sherchan:

The poem paints the image of a pensioned war veteran, at the same time describing the clock tower. The pensioned soldier may pass his retired life without worry. But he is not happy. His youth and energy are gone. He can only console himself with his heroic past and memories of his service days. Or he can bore others with his stories. The clock tower is similar to the ‘senior vet’. Both are old and neglected. There was a time when both had value. Both served well. The poet suggests us to respect both for their important roles in history.

The clock tower is very old, almost falling down. There are many other such historical monuments. Some are already beyond repair. The concerned authorities have neglected them. We should preserve these monuments. They are symbols of our glorious past. They are part of our cultural identity to show to the world.

Short Analysis of the Poem  The Clock Tower by Bhupi Sherchan:

Literally, we don’t see any logical connection between the soldier and the clock tower. If the topic is clock tower, why does the speaker waste time on the ex-soldier? And regarding the old man, the speaker’s attitude is not clear. Is he praising this senior vet? Or is he expressing sympathy at the pensioned soldier for his long, sad, lonely and boring days? There is also humour in describing his military clothes, hat and watch.