I went to bed that April Eve around ten past eleven,
And after sleeping dreamlessly I woke again at seven.
Today I knew was Sunday, and so I’d not besmirch
My spotless reputation, I prepared to go to church.

I cleaned my teeth and combed my hair and donned my favorite tie.
I lingered over breakfast as the time went slipping by.
I knew I’d taken much too long, my choice of tie debating;
I thought, "It’s late, now I must rush, can’t keep the others waiting!"

And so I drove up to the church, but I was disconcerted;
The parking lot, which should be full, was totally deserted!
Where were the cars which should be there? Where was the congregation?
Was it much later than I thought, or just imagination?

And then I realized my plight, I’d overlooked the warning!
Neglecting to set clocks ahead at two o’clock this morning!
It dawned on me that when I rose already I was late!
It wasn’t seven o’clock at all, the time in fact, was eight!

The congregation had gone home, their lunch they now had started
While foolishly, I’d just arrived and they had all departed!
I stifled my embarrassment and vowed that in the fall,
I’d change my clocks for wintertime, I wouldn’t err at all.

So when October came around I thought,"What is that rule?"
If I should make one more mistake, I’d get some ridicule.
And so I pondered what to do before I went to bed,
Then carefully I went around and set my clocks ahead!

I woke next morning, quite refreshed; today I’d be on time!
I’d surely be quite punctual, I’d hear the church bells chime!
So off I went, quite confident, prepared to join the throng!
But why no organ music, calling us to join in song?

The parking lot was empty, nobody there but me!
But I was sure I’d not re-run that springtime comedy!
I’d put my clocks ahead last night--------? My stomach gave a lurch.
Now I was two hours early, sitting shamefaced at the church!

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