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Open Poetry #46
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Carving the Decoy
| Open Poetry #46 |
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Carving the Decoy |
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Amaryllis Senior Member
since 2010-05-20
Posts 1306Mi now 
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He would sit for hours under the warm shop lamp flannel shoulders bent to his calming task turning the walnut form in gnarled hands end to end, waiting for the wood to tell it`s legends. I could always see him from the kitchen window across the yard through the barn door that never quite shut and cast a gilded V onto the shadowed grass It would be pleasant in there, wood-stove cozy smelling of cedar and ash and oil all the good smells, the kind that hug your soul and never let go. The corners held the mounds of wheaten sawdust, like forgotten anthills I liked to play there too, on Friday nights when the women filled the busy kitchen with easy laughter, coffee, and their tales they would not notice I was gone. I`d stand beside him watch the v-tool bite into the grain, see the feathers start to rise, as pungent curls fell into his lap and to the concrete floor. He`d let me try on a piece of pine, to carve my name as the bird arose beneath his coaxing and came to life, down to the shining eye. |
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| © Copyright 2010 Amaryllis - All Rights Reserved | |||
Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
You know something few poets can make me smile, but you sure do. I feel like I am viewing a Norman Rockwell painting, when I read your "stories." This made me think of my granddad who was never without a piece of wood in his pocket. Thank you for that memory too. |
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Amaryllis Senior Member
since 2010-05-20
Posts 1306Mi now |
Thank you, Mysteria! That is high praise to me, because I adore Rockwell (well, who doesn`t!)  Your comment warms me.Best~ Amaryllis |
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XOx Uriah xOX Senior Member
since 2006-02-11
Posts 1403Virginia |
yup yup I wanna write like dat ! Amazing ! Thank you for sharing your precious gift |
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Dark Stranger Member Patricius
since 2001-03-19
Posts 13631West Coast |
very cool hemline Amary..I did mine with milk jugs and chicken feathers...and if no ducks landed we would just shoot the milk jugs... |
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Earl Brinkman Senior Member
since 2010-03-03
Posts 1183Osaka, Japan |
You paint a vivid picture of you and your grandfather. Nice. |
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Sunkissed Senior Member
since 2002-12-03
Posts 610 |
What a beautiful picture you paint here. Memories such as this are indeed treasures. Awesome write! ~Sunkissed |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
I was transported into a living painting, and I don't want to get out. I am typing this with one hand because Tigger, my darling kitty cat, has both of his arms around my other hand and has his head on top of it, and is fast asleep. Far be it from me to disturb him! Owl |
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easy1 Senior Member
since 2010-05-22
Posts 1209Southeastern USA |
Fine writing! I enjoyed reading this. The reader can see the mallard head in profile, as it is formed by practiced effort, care and skill. I like your comparison of the v-shaped tool with the v-shaped light pattern, and from what I can recall cozy, personal-sized wood shops really do have a sweet scent all their own. Much appreciated. |
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jwesley Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563Spring, Texas |
Much enjoyed this my friend...once wrote a piece on similar subject but yours is so-o much better, I even forget the name of mine. Very well done...I was there watching with you and not many pieces draw me that way. jwesley |
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Amaryllis Senior Member
since 2010-05-20
Posts 1306Mi now |
Oh many, many thanks to all who have commented above! Your kind words are so appreciated  Best~ Amaryllis |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Absolutely beautiful... (note to Mysteria:  no talk about Grandpa carrying wood in his pocket, please)And who says Amaryllis only blooms once a year? As triumphant a writer as the bloom, m'friend.  |
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The Lady Member Rara Avis
since 2005-12-26
Posts 7634The Southwest |
you have a unique style Amaryllis and you use it beautifully. |
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Cpat Hair
since 2001-06-05
Posts 11793 |
I enjoyed... you paint the images well, and tell the story with heart... there is something about the smell of wood chips or sawdust from things being made, hat has a soothing effect on me.... and to escape the "crowd" and watch someone ply their skills and create, a haven for more thoughtful and well remembered moments of meaning.. |
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Amaryllis Senior Member
since 2010-05-20
Posts 1306Mi now |
Thank you so much, Serenity, Lady, and Cpat Hair! Your kind words for the poem are much appreciated. Would it disappoint you to know the poem is completely ficticious? Never had such a grandpa, or such moments. I began with a need to write about carving.. about the curled shavings, the sawdust, the details. I finally decided on this scenario. I love to write in different voices. Most of my poetry never `happened`..! (to me, at least.) Yet I write for the reader... I do try to make it universally relevant.. Thanks for reading me!! ~Amaryllis |
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Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
A fine memory piece. Thanks for sharing... this one certainly "hugs the soul." "We'll chase them like rats across the tundra." |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
Fantastic, dear Amaryllis, and you created it from just a few inputs. Double praise! You are a joy to read! Love, Margherita |
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