A DIY Lament
A DIY Lament
1
To learn carpentry
from a 1950’s text
picked up at a garage sale
still need more practice
when sawing in a straight line
or hammering in a nail.
I start with a birdhouse
which turns out a little odd
the front appears to be back
the back seems slanted
to question where the bird sits
what creature would find this a home?
Pound nail after nail
carpenter and fingernail
some bend some remain crooked
how you hold hammer
apparently makes the difference.
Is this a trick I can learn?
Some seem to measure
with ease and grace, perfection,
ability to create
always perfect fit,
though I keep the measure straight,
always unwanted inch.
2
To build residence
in a calm safe neighborhood
where my children simply play
in peace and in calm
everyone with their own space
dignity and privacy.
Practice everyday
a little homegrown carpentry
with practice maybe one day
I can build our home
hopefully with straight angles
a strong supportive structure.
For now I’m patient
though my thumb is black and blue
and I consider wood glue
worry about saw
anyone can DIY
with tools and a will to try.
To build with old tools
that look like the ones they use
on Videos on Youtube
never quite same
found I might need small mint
to buy appropriate things.
3.
…And yes to my friends
bathroom remodel remains
even after instruction
purchase of the tile
for now my shower just sits
dreams of Michelangelo.
The story of shelves
built to hold our sporting gear
but maybe not weight ball
collected barbells
and now there’s a hole in the wall
not covered or small.
I admit I am
not the one to ask for help
fix broken board on your porch
patch up old fence
I only promise abstract
design not necessity.
May I suggest book
a well made tutorial
the will and drive to give all
but let’s not forget
power of talent and skill
or products of those lacking.
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Home projects are never easy unless one is a real carpenter. I have a project coming up to add more shelves in our pantry and not looking forward to it. Fortunately I learned carpentry from my Dad, it is just the physical strength and energy I need to work on. I admire your determination to work on your home, Jamie. Great verses and well-penned.
Tip: Watch ‘This Old House’ and ‘New Yankee Workshop’ with Norm Abrams on PBS.
What happened to your Facebook page ? I read your message and NEVER would think that you were in any way connected to something as mentioned – I saw a post from someone I don’t know and it was wrong. Text me so we can continue this
Good work with this, Jamie. I can relate to your home carpentry skills. Practice makes perfect they say but I really think it is a lot to do with having the right tools. I have been hanging hessian as a ceiling liner in the shed and I am so glad I purchased a staple gun. It would have been a big job without it.
Thank you Phyllis and John. I hope all is well. Jamie
Great One ! I’m just one of the “lucky “guys that grew up working in the trades !
I do however have flat thumbs Jamie !
Thank you Ed. It is good to hear from you. Jamie