By 1220, the mechanical clock was being developed in Europe, marking a significant advancement in timekeeping technology. This innovation allowed for more precise measurement of time, which was crucial for both daily life and religious practices. The mechanical clock's introduction changed how people organized their lives, leading to a greater emphasis on punctuality and the scheduling of events.

The advent of the mechanical clock influenced poetry by introducing themes of time and its passage. Poets began to reflect on the transient nature of life and the importance of seizing the moment. This shift can be seen in the works of later poets like Geoffrey Chaucer, who explored the relationship between time and human experience in his narratives.