| CATEGORY: Poetry |
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Artifacts
We have moved the antique furniture to our new home, Reassembled head-and sideboards, Connected bases and tops with worn-wooden pegs. As I rub the oil into the 18th century cupboard Whispers escape from the hand-carvings And moans seep from dry planks, warped and chapped. Gently I polish the brass handles, the locks of intricate design And where a corner is missing, an ornament broken off, I carefully wipe my cloth over the ancient wounds.
A gilt-framed, yellowed photograph of my great-great-grandmother, Fan and petticoat swirling past pewter dishes on the shelves, Decorates the dark alcove of the sturdy breakfront. And hidden among chiseled rosettes are an A and a P, Modest imprints of the cabinetmaker at St. Ivan, a country castle near Prague.
Our six-year old grandson Nicholas gapes at the carved dragons Snarling from the drawer-faces. Timidly his fingers touch a wood whorl, Then trace along the edge of a gouged groove. I continue my work, smoothing, preserving. No longer can I see the previous owners' smiles Or watch the cabinetmaker at his craft, But I feel the presence of the past as in a dream Laying hands on old wood and bygone lives.
by ute Carson (Viewed 1247 times) Show Brief Description
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| Other Critiques of this Work |
| Given By: |  soulpath
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| Critique Date: | 03/01/2009 |
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| Critique: | Love the line and moans seep , excellent imagery, a well written and enjoyable piece . Mike |
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| Grade: |  |
| Given By: | [Deleted User] |
| Critique Date: | 04/26/2008 |
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| Critique: | Hi, I like the idea of old, wounded, furniture welcoming the soothing balm of polish. The manufacturer being based in or around Prague brings memories of 'the old town' where a person may take a lifetime to caress the many ornamental facade's of it's rich architecture. The child seeing, possibly for the first time, the wonder of a craftsmans skill. Making the piece your own by cutting back to the polish is an interesting thought, although a person can never fully own such items - being the present keeper is all we're allowed - but that's usually enough. Enjoyed the poem. Thanks'. |
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| Grade: |  |
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