Hands that hammer
Wood and stone
A heart that persists
To drive nails home
No matter what the weather Gods decide
forge wrinkles into his hide
and blisters.
The process is difficult
Fraught with doubt that can crumble
at any minute
But somehow the craftsman
Draws it out
Not realising
That the stone
The wood
The surface he tortures
Has the last laugh
Who is hammering who?
The universe whispers
Who is moulding who?
and the toughened timber
full of sighs and blows
the stone that has laid
undisturbed
for centuries
heave a warning cry
“As you reveal me
I will reveal you“
And they do
*Chris is a sculptor. I caught up with him on the week-end. Stole a few photos.
I could just as easily write this poem for my husband, my sons, or anyone who labours in the harsh Australian climate.
Doing hard things, creating, toiling, persisting – leaves its own mark on hearts and souls. This poem is my attempt to jot that insight down. And it doesn’t only apply to physically difficult pursuits because so often these require mental exertion, spiritual extension, which does the same thing. Keep striving.
More photos from this shoot are on my Flickr (on my front page and yes, WordPress hasn’t updated it in ages but if you click the link it will take you through to the current albums). There is also a post on day 34 of my Instagram (the photo challenge continues).
Great poem and photos, Kate. The Australian landscape is mythic for forging those who inhabit it!
It certainly is Camilla.
Even I, a complete stranger to that land, am aware of its epic status. This is probably from media — seeing the movie (and then reading the book) “Tracks,” seeing the movie “Red Dog,” reading “The Thorn Birds” and “Eucalyptus,” and also seeing a Nat Geo special and learning that your continent’s aboriginal peoples are the direct decedents of our original African ancestors and still keep many of their stories. All these things have formed my mythical view of Australia. Mythical is no doubt the operative word, LOL! 🙂 ❤️ (But your poem and photos contribute to the mythology.)
It is a mythical land Camilla. Great movies and all favourites of mine btw. Nature constantly inspires me and always has. I don’t know if it is only because I know this land, but I certainly find it extraordinarily beautiful and inspiring.
what a unique perspective; I never thought of our artistic products in this light before —
I had someone tell me once the same thing about poetry – I can’t keep myself out of my words – so I don’t try anymore. It’s not vulnerability to reveal – it’s honesty and I don’t think you can create art without it revealing who you are.
totally agree, Kate —
Fabulous photo, Kate and love your poem! 👏🏻 Best wishes with your photo challenge.
Thanks Michelle, I’m up to date 34 and can say it has been well worth it having reinspired my creative world at every level
🙌🏻
love your poem and these words, Kate!
💗
“Who is hammering who?
The universe whispers
Who is moulding who?
and the toughened timber
full of sighs and blows”
Well don’t on 34 insta photos.. and this great pic.. .. xo 💗
Thanks Cindy, it’s lovely to be behind the camera again. And the funny thing is the skills have come back to me in an entirely new way. Or perhaps I’m new. Either way, it’s fun.
I love it and enjoy! So awesome! 😎
Fabulous photo, Kate and great poem 💙
Thankyou Luisa 🍃
It’s well deserved praise! 🙂
Beautiful poem! Who is hammering whom that is a mystery. Well shared with beautiful photo.
Thankyou Priti, I find the question one of those unanswerable mysteries. We cannot do anything difficult without it changing us.
Yes