> <<It's like the phrase "night > watch", or keeping watch in the night.>> > > This is really a great little discussion...now I'm more inclined to side with this opinion. I've never heard of a "pornographic watch" anyway, except maybe for a pocket watch which opens up to expose some dirty picture or something. Surely a priest would not wear something (even a wrist watch) that is openly pornographic.
I've never actually seen or heard of a pornographic watch either but I don't think it's important whether or not there actually is such a thing. I think the simile Joni is trying to draw is of someone who says they are immune to wanting something but constantly takes covert glances at and secretly covets that something. A wristwatch is not something you can see on another person very easily unless you come up close to it. And if it's hidden by a sleeve it can't be seen at all. So Joni's 'priest' or supposed celibate takes furtive looks at this carnal image on his watch and probably gets a chubby from it. The parallel is to the artist who claims that fame & fortune is of no interest and not the least desirable, that the art is all that matters & the money & notice would corrupt that art. But secretly this artist wants the wealth and the adulation. He or she may live in an attic & wear second hand clothes but the desire is still there and occasionally visible in their expression or attitude. Anyway that's what I think & that is what I said! Mark E in Seattle
