The second stanza of "Grandfather's Clock" says, "For it struck twenty-four when he entered at the door." Was it 12 o'clock at midnight? Then, why did it strike twenty-four instead of twelve? A tall clock I know strikes only twelve.

2. In watching its pendulum swing to and fro,
Many hours had he spent while a boy;
And its childhood and manhood the clock seemed to know
And to share both his grief and his joy.
For it struck twenty-four when he entered at the door,
With a blooming and beautiful bride;
But it stopp'd short-- never to go again--
When the old man died.

~Masato