"A Discursive Discourse"

©1996 D. Burgdorf      (Return to "Poetry")

My mind should be on the job at hand but a notice came to my home
And now my head won't behave itself, it wants to write a poem.
I've places to go and things to do but my mind just won't be still.
I'd even like to take a nap (Perhaps when I'm done, I will).

Of what should I write— I need a theme to put in words and rhyme.
Maybe just sharing some random thoughts would be helpful at this time.
The desire to create— where is it from, That hunger in this old piece of sod?
Could it be that it's a part of being made in the image of God?

How about carving, which do you choose, a subject or recipient first?
To match the two, I have found, could satisfy someone's thirst.
A memorial plaque carved for the neighbor who just lost a favorite pet.
An anniversary gift for a special couple so they'll know you didn't forget.

For someone who's under the weather, for a smile to cure their ills
I'd carve an outhouse, 2 or 3 seat.  Humorous carvings may do more than pills.
For a friend who has a new baby, a cradle with the name and the date.
A carving that will be cherished for a long time, just you wait.

A simple meaningful carving can bring tears of joy to an elderly eye
'Cause someone remembered a birthday and didn't let it slip by.
The uncontrolled giggles and laughter of a grandchild as he played
With a caricature carving of himself.  More than money's worth that piece paid.

"More than money's worth?"— Is that what I said?  Well, yes I did and it's true.
There's nothing wrong with making ends meet, but remember your fellow man too.
How do you price an object conceived from under your hat?
You'll get many different answers to a question such as that.

Well, I've rambled enough and perhaps these thoughts a smile or memory may bring.
I'll write again "same time next year" for the NEWC poetry fling.

Note:  For several years the New England Wood Carvers (NEWC) hosted an annual poetry contest for carver/poets.