Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Routine

Carving Necks

Honduran Mahogany
is my favorite
because it carves wonderfully.
The fresh blank
clamped, waiting
the neck inside
yet to be revealed.
Draw knife, spokeshave,
chisel and gouge aligned
like a surgeon’s tools.
Long strokes at first
lovely curls cascade
fresh wood polished
by the blade’s stroke.
Each tool in its time
peeling ever smaller shavings.
In the end only a graceful curve remains
surrounded by its fallen skin
ready to mate with its body
and make lovely music.

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