Around 1311, the first mechanical clocks began to appear in European cities, with notable examples in Italy. These innovations marked a significant shift in timekeeping, moving away from sundials and water clocks to more precise mechanical devices. The introduction of the mechanical clock not only transformed daily life but also influenced the rhythm of society, affecting everything from work to leisure, and ultimately impacting the themes explored in poetry.

The mechanical clock's introduction inspired poets to explore themes of time and mortality, as seen in the works of later poets like John Donne, who grappled with the passage of time in his metaphysical poetry. The clock's ticking became a metaphor for life's fleeting nature, enriching the language and imagery used in poetry and prompting deeper reflections on existence.