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Two-Stroke Counsel
After checking the oil for the chain
and a quick pull on the starter rope
my father’s chainsaw cuts through the branches
stainless steel teeth offer no quarter
The quickly turning blade suggests danger in unsure hands
regardless, his grip is firm and confident
Swift and experienced strokes
make short work of the green and sap-filled wood
Fine powder sawdust drifts across my arms
we stack the severed pieces in neat and orderly piles
I envy the purposefulness of it all
Different than our relationship
the thorns and twisted branches of it
wrongs and mistakes never acknowledged
And certainly never talked about
but this shared task seems to dress uneasy wounds
as we work together in the haze of the oily blue exhaust
Style / type:
Free verse
Review Request (Intensity):
I appreciate moderate constructive criticism
Review Request (Direction):
What did you think of my title?
How was my language use?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?
Is the internal logic consistent?
Editing stage:
Content level:
Not Explicit Content
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Comments
Michael Anthony
Sat, 2020-12-12 10:41
Wow Teddy! I hope you were
Wow Teddy! I hope you were not present when that accident occurred! Not something one could forget. Glad you liked this one, and sorry for the momentary stress it seems to have caused =)
Michael Anthony
Ray Whitaker
Fri, 2020-12-11 15:06
Working with your Father
One of the ways men seem to get along best is working together, IMHO. I remember the projects with my Dad fondly. We didn’t necessarily speak too much while accomplishing the job at hand, however stout commo happened nonetheless.
Good for you!
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Raywhitakerblog.wordpress.com
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Michael Anthony
Sat, 2020-12-12 10:43
Completely agree with you
Completely agree with you about getting along while working together. Always appreciate you sharing your thoughts - cheers!
Michael Anthony
lovedly
Fri, 2020-12-11 16:17
Fathers teach a lot
and
from kids learn more
newer Gen Z
u know now
UR MA tho
Geezer
Sat, 2020-12-12 08:38
I guess...
never having had a real relationship with a father-figure, I can't
answer to the theme of the poem; however, I really enjoyed the
scenario. I do have good memories of cutting firewood and you describe
the scene perfectly. There is a certain satisfaction in doing a job well
and especially one that has a good purpose, so I do get that part of it.
~ Geezer.
.
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