In 1272, the mechanical clock was being introduced in Europe, marking a significant advancement in timekeeping technology. This innovation allowed for more precise measurement of time, impacting daily life and societal organization. The mechanical clock's introduction represented a shift towards a more structured approach to time management in medieval society.

The mechanical clock influenced poets to explore themes of time and mortality in their works. The awareness of time's passage and its implications for human life became a prevalent theme in poetry, inspiring writers like John Donne to reflect on the transient nature of existence.