Florentine chair in oak.
Strong fingers grip
the hand plane’s handle.
Blade slick sharp
glides with a swish.
Shavings stream away
like cut curls to the floor.
Saw’s teeth marks fade
from the rough plank.
Satin smooth surface
reveals lines of grain,
called ‘figure’.
Each piece unique.
Incised lines mark
square-measured joints.
Shouldered saw pushed
back and forth.
Thumb-guided,
wrist-controlled.
Eye and hand co-ordinate
acquired precision.
Fragrant dust falling
from the saw’s teeth
makes little anthills
on the workshop floor.
Joints offered,
eased and chiseled
for a satisfying
final fit.
Sand and sand;
Polish and polish
time and patience pays.
No shortcuts here.
Touch and smell
elm and chestnut
ash, sycamore
Yew, pine and oak.
Handling the chisels,
sap rises
in distant memories
of youthful vigour.
skills not lost.
InnerVentures 