Executioner happy to explain br How his wristwatch works br As he shadows me on the street. br I call him that because he is grim and officious br And wears black. br br The clock on the church tower br Had stopped at five to eleven. br The morning newspapers had no date. br The gray building on the corner br Could've been a state pen, br br And then he showed up with his watch, br Whose Gothic numerals br And the absence of hands br He wanted me to understand br Right then and there.