Hard work makes
Art with a spirit and a soul that
No factory line can even
Dream to achieve, yet those factory and
Mill-made pieces undermine and diminish
All the effort, vision, and
Diligence poured into each piece – due to
Everyone’s unrealistic expectations of price.
Everywhere at once,
Helping with a smile, a laugh,
Greeting each newcomer,
And passing from one conversation
To another, from friend to friend –
The heartbeat of the gathering,
Like a watchful fire tender,
Nursing the warmth to fire.
An agony of politeness holding you in thrall.
Is it too early to go right now?
If it gets too late, should I go at all?
Should I be first and hang out alone?
Or should I delay? Are these heels too tall?
The cycle starts and spins and falls –
Preparation for fun. Oh joy. What a ball.
No longer either short or stout –
The handle flails wildly.
The spout drowns you out.
No singing or bobbing
But cursing and tears,
Sarcasm and huffing –
Oh, teenage years.
