The Curse of Father Time

Today's Object d'eBay , an Elgin "Father Time" chronometer, speaks to a certain prejudging — prejudice on its own is such a harsh word — of dads.

The characters for moms, Mother Earth/Nature are bountiful, embracing beings to be worshiped. (Although they do both have their dark side when crossed.) Father Time, however, is always something to be feared, a silent stalker, a taker; and the unwelcome visitor who defines one's final hour.

This pocket watch could be described as stately, utile, dependable and dignified. Instead (on the back) it is named, "Father Time." And so your clock is ticking.

** When fathers become a protected class, there will be lawsuits filed in response to the aspersions cast by those blithely using the FT reference. **