The Old Hand Saw

...for Ted Kooser


A reminder of my father; 
more antique than useful it was tucked 
inside my tool box ever ready to be used.
Soaped and sharpened many times 
the blade was keen and hungry.
I took it with me everywhere 
'til pure gave way to power,
and through the years it waited,
I could never give it up. 
The skilsaw superseded; a cold, 
efficient implement that did as it was told,
never a slip. As my effectiveness 
fell short, my eyes became unsure,
my hands bore witness to the times
I slipped and sliced until I bled 
when choosing my old friend. 
Museum pieces, he and I, 
both worn and put away; 
I still recall the touch, the feel, 
the smell of yesterday.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Culverhouse Avatar
June 9, 2012 at 8:23 PM
nice trip down memory lane....
Brown Avatar
June 5, 2012 at 12:41 PM
Enjoyed reading your wonderful poetry very much Keith. Will be back another day to read more. Love, Carol
Collins Avatar
June 5, 2012 at 8:31 AM
'til pure gave way to power As my dad would say "things just aren't like they used to be" If I could, I'd tell him it's still true. Way back then I never really knew. love, Kathy
Babcock Avatar
June 4, 2012 at 9:03 PM
Gee this computer just lost what I typed here a moment ago. Anyway what a nice memory of your dad-- using the tool of his in your tool box. Modern saws do it fast and efficient but you never know when the tool can come in handy. Nice write .love phyl
A   Avatar
June 4, 2012 at 6:06 PM
Hi,Kieth i think your poem is pretty much interesting Today I'm reading poems from my aunt PD's account, hope you don't mind. Sincerely pd's niece SYLVIA }i{
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