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Poetry Archives

A continuing selection of classic and contemporary poems.

How Many Seconds?

Christina Rossetti

How many seconds in a minute?
Sixty, and no more in it.

How many minutes in an hour?
Sixty for sun and shower.

How many hours in a day?
Twenty-four for work and play.

How many days in a week?
Seven both to hear and speak.

How many weeks in a month?
Four, as the swift moon runn’th.

How many months in a year?
Twelve the almanack makes clear.

How many years in an age?
One hundred says the sage.

How many ages in time?
No one knows the rhyme.
Online text © 1998-2008 Poetry X. All rights reserved.
From Sing-Song: A Nursery Rhyme Book | 1893
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