John A'Hern Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

The poem reflects my time as an apprentice Fitter and Machinist, 6 years of learning that eventually made me a tradesperson. The reference to billy cans, they are ceramic coated steel liquid holders, the trades persons used them for their individual brews of tea. One of my jobs each day was to make sure that all the billy cans had been filed with a favourite tea flavour. They were then laid out ready for morning and lunch breaks. The apprentice master taught me the secrets to becoming a top class trades person, he also unlocked the secrets to understanding fractions, a School day subject that had me defeated.

Apprentice Master

That time of the year once again 
Thoughts, memories, flooding in 
Trying to understand these moments
No one is exempt from emotion. 
Parent flash ignored for the present 
Back to apprenticeship days 
Young and eager to learn 
The result was a trade
Father smiled and nodded
Mother adoring watching from afar
Duties include making tea in Billy cans
Making sure each brew was as ordered
Setting out the meals for trades persons 
An apprentice master watching over
Angry moods, other times gentle
Mistakes are made and rectified 
Guidance comes in strange ways
Words were spoken, not appreciated
Now in later life, understood
At the time, resisted the teachings 
Now could hug the person that taught us
There were times when interest dwindled 
Prodding and encouragement always given 
Now in later years wish for a revisit
Meet and shake their hand? 
No, would hug and kiss their cheek
Not only a trades person
But a Mother, or Father 
Just doing the best we can 
All started by filling billycans.

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