Для egmg@lj, kapahel@lj и некоторых других
Christian Morgenstern
Korf's clock

Korf a kind of clock invents
where two pairs of hands go round:
one the current hour presents,
one is always backward bound.

When it's two - it's also ten;
when it's three - it's also nine.
you just look at it, and then
time gets never out of line,

for in Korf's astute invention
with its Janus-kindred stride
(wich, of course, was his intention)
time itself is nullified.

Palmstroem's clock

Palstroem's clock - a different kind -
is mimosa-like designed.

All requests are kindly heeded:
Many times the clock proceeded

at the pace that folks were urging
- slowing up or forward surging

for one hour, or two, or three,
as impelled by sympathy.

Though a timepiece, it will never
stick to petty rules, however.

Just a clockwork, slick and smart,
yet a clockwork with a heart.

(Translated from German by Max Knight)