THE JOINER’S ART

Beauty wrought
From planks of ancient pine,
The Joiner’s art
Still shows his skilful hand,
Though he long passed
From this earthly plane.

The Joiner’s work
Of a century gone by
Speaks plainly
Of love of craft,
Work made joy,
Tradition, patience, pride,
Tenants of an apprenticeship
Well learned and held:
Proportion, function,
Play of light and shade.

The Joiner lives yet
In the mark of his hand
Upon doorframe, baseboard,
Or a staircase fine,
The gentle ripples
Of the craftsman’s touch
Reverberate through time.

GWJD 2000

Reprinted with permission from George W. J. Duncan, artist & poet.