December 16th, 2021Local Lines: Felling the Mighty Mountain Ash
An axe so sharp with spit and stone, sharp enough for shaving.
A mighty tree trunk eight foot through the task the axeman’s facing
First cut a slot for a timber plank, a plank for him to stand,
To cut a scarf the tree will fall exactly where he’s planned.
The sharp axe swings, the forest rings it echoes every blow.
The axeman never seems to tire if he does it doesn’t show.
The deep scarf cut he turns around the other side to start,
Cut from the rear above the scarf till the timber starts to part.
A cracking sound like thunder building, sharp and crisp and loud.
A warning to the axeman, jump clear or wear a shroud.
The mighty mountain ash succumbs to the axe and pull of gravity,
A victim of human progress or a symbol of his depravity.
Fine timber once and housing frames but now the latest caper.
No more axe, the chainsaw wails, it’s woodchip into paper.
– Gordon Nightingale
Gordon Nightingale is a retired design draftsman who has turned to writing to keep his mind alert. He has involvement with U3A, Daylesford and the Hepburn Shire regional community.
Poems for Local Lines come predominantly from a group of poets. However, other locals who would like a poem considered for publication can contact Bill Wootton – cottlesbreedge@gmail.com
