Jie Qi

I bought a clock today. The winning feature of the clock is that, even though battery operated, the second hand ticks softly, much like an automatic watch's second hand. There isn't the reproachful "tick-tock" cry of time passing reprimanding me on how I might never recover every split consciousness I do not spend on progressing towards my life's goals, and instead, for example, on listening to a clock. In this way, I think this clock seems less Confucian, and somehow, more compassionate.

It's hanging on my wall now, in front of me. It's round, with a silver frame, black hands, and a white face - it looks almost serious - except its carelessly unevenly set black arial numbers let on on how casual it really is.

What nice qualities for a clock to have - compassionate and casual.

To think I bought it for 5 dollars only. The brand is "JIE QI" and it's made in China. It shall also serve to remind that the value of time is not measured by the price of the timepiece telling it.

And if it should malfunction anytime too soon, as is reasonable to suspect of anything costing only a quarter of what similar products cost, I would melt it over an open flame or in a microwave.

(sneak.)