Dead Short

A Matter Of Time

It was a quarter to three

I was sat drinking tea

When the lab door was flung open wide.

The Professor waltzed in

His face split with a grin

And a holdall was clutched at his side.

'Oh what rapture, what joy!

I have cracked it, m' boy!

Let the bells of success truly chime!

After years of defeat

My machine is complete

We can finally travel in time!'

As he opened his bag

My knees started to sag

And I thought for a while I'd been had

Yes, imagine my shock

When he pulled out a clock

Had the old man gone stark raving mad?

With a tear in my eye

I expelled a wild cry

'That took fifty years? Oh good grief!

It's a clock, you old fool

I have one on my wall

It says "Made in Taiwan" underneath!'

An odd look warped his face

'It can cross time and space!

Though it only goes forwards, not back.

Here, I'll show you,' he said

Then his clock struck my head

And the world went alarmingly black.

When I opened my eyes

I was filled with surprise

For the view was a sight to behold

There were cars in the sky

And green men who could fly

And the buildings were made out of gold.

To my hospital bed

A droid medic was led

His eyes scanning me from head to toes

With a click and a whir

He said 'Welcome back, sir

Twenty years now, you've been comatose.'

As I let out a groan

A voice familiar in tone

Wheezed out an old man at my side

His crinkled lips smirked

'See, I told you it worked!'

Then he smiled rather smugly and died.