w. blakey · cast 1934 · two and a quarter pounds
a hand-bell. the headmistress carries it from the steps down into the yard, ringing as she goes. a high, gritty note — the dent above the rim has thinned the tone. nobody has ever asked her how the dent got there.
it is rung at three minutes past the hour, three minutes late by intention, to give the slow children the same number of strides as the quick ones. the only thing that stops it is her arriving at the corner of the lime tree. the strap is kept on her wrist so it cannot fall.
field-note · the bell is kept on a hook by the staff-room door, beside the chalk box. it is not allowed in the classroom.
tea bell · morning bell · school dream · lime · ritual