The Pendulum Cycle

A measured ticking drew my attention toward the wooden cabinet. I marched toward the source and stood before an upright pendulum clock. Behind its glass pane, a brass disc swung in strict, unwavering arcs. Left, then right. Exactly one oscillation per cycle. I raised my blade parallel to its trajectory, timing each tick against my internal pulse. No gear slipped; every tooth engaged precisely. Order reigns over this mechanism.