In the Making.
Symphony in the making was silently
waiting in his old workshop.
I viewed with amazement that motley
collection of well-used tools
and knew how unusual was the music
hung there adorning the walls.
Hammers and saws tuned in for action,
tin shears and gimlets
stood ready to combat wood-shrinkage,
old oil-stones for honing
the blades all told me they could sing to
a Maestro's conducting.
An old wicker-chair in which I was sitting
plaintively winced at my
young movement as I examined the magic
in that Merlin's cave for,
about to be married I needed a man who
was declared a true master
of all things wood and who by talented
hands could teach me the craft.
I for once was eager to learn all the hows
of the trade, thankful the chance
of fine carpentry was coming my way so
I put on my new white apron,
picked up the apprentice-stick-measure
and like a baton gave it a tap
as my first ballad was about to take shape.
-
Author:
Fay Slimm. (
Offline) - Published: November 29th, 2021 03:33
- Comment from author about the poem: Saw the picture and imagined a story told from the view of a young apprentice - hope you enjoy.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 41
- Users favorite of this poem: L. B. Mek, Lorna
Offline)
Comments9
Good write Fay.
Thank you Orchi.
Wonderful write Fay. In my years as an inspector of building maintenance I have seen some marvellous craftsmen at work.
Andy
I should imagine your work took you to some interesting places - thank you for sharing the pleasure of meeting such craftsmen and women
what an absolute marvel you are dear lady Fay ... I could smell, taste and feel my fathers old workshop & no kiddin ... am left wondering how & where you gained such insights that equipped you for such an undertaking as this little beauty .... x
Ah in answer to your final wonder Nev - I like just gaining from asking and learning what days gone by were like in such work-shops - so glad you enjoyed your walk down memory lane to your father's old place my dear friend..........x
You have captured perfectly the apparent chaos but actual order of a true craftsman's workshop, Fay.
(Going to get married ? Feels like there's an embedded subtle metaphor there relating to the construction of a large wooden cross.... 😊 .)
Thanks Dave - - pleased you found the read about craftsmen and how young apprentices gained skill in those far-off days interesting. Good to get your comments my friend.
Oh Fay, gone are the days of such enthusiasm from the young (by and large). As a now retired tradesman I had many young fellas come along thinking they wanted apprenticeships but the reality soon brought out their true characters.
I really enjoyed your romance with the old tradesman's workshop environment. I have been in such places and taken the time to look around and drink in the atmosphere. Times change but there will always be a place for the highly skilled tradesman.
A very enjoyable read which took me through quite a few memories.
Your thoughts on your own experience of employing apprentices bear out the reason I posted this piece and thank you for sharing the memories dear Dusk - old places of craft and workmanship have always drawn my attention to the differences between then and now.
how well, you've captured
forgotten time's, immortalised
in this poignant artwork
of Artisan's;
a time when apprentice
was a word: of virtue
and learning
meant communing, with those
who imbued love and Art
in-to all, that they crafted
by hand...
another wonderfully vivid poem, dear Fay
Yes artisans were understandingly proud of their skill in days like the graphic portrayed and thank you for your contribution to what was the reason dear L.B. in that they imbued love and art into their work.
Symphony is everywhere. A poetry may be a song, or a painting. A serenade perhaps the brightest image ever to graze your mind. And work well done could be your legacy.
Well done Fay. A thoroughly enjoyed read.
Great to get your comments on work well done Nic. - and glad you enjoyed the read.
You are the master of showing us other worlds Fay.... you've done similar before and I always love them....
Ah - - much appreciated dear Lorna - and pleased you enjoyed the read of by-gone days when pride of learning a craft meant grateful apprentices.
It’s magic to know how perfection takes shape, it’s inner satisfaction when one learns how to create perfection, it’s something else when one puts it to perfection
Thanks
What a thoughtful contribution to my posting on craft In The Making when an aim at perfection was seen as valuable to those who wound love into their work. Thank you Suresh for stopping by for a read.
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