The answer of course, is that the clock isn't meant to measure earthly time, but the time of the soul. Redemption and condemnation time. For the soul, each instant is always a minute short of judgment.
Gregory MaguireI hate New Year's Eve. One more chance to remember that you haven't yet done what you wanted. And to pretend it doesn't matter.
Gregory MaguireWe live in our tales of ourselves, she thought, and ignore as best we can the contradictions, and the lapses, and the abrasions of plot against our mortal souls.
Gregory MaguireI shall pray for your soul,' promised Nessarose. I shall wait for your shoes,' Elphie answered.
Gregory MaguireWe start out in identical perfection: bright, reflective, full of sun. The accident of our lives bruises us into dirty individuality. We meet with grief. Our character dulls and tarnishes. We meet with guilt. We know, we know: the price of living is corruption. There isnโt as much light as there once was. In the grave we lapse back into undifferentiated sameness
Gregory Maguire