POEM - Checking out the Handiwork

 

Checking out the handiwork

 

The bricklayer sat by his wall

checking out his own handiwork

finding a flaw

that no one but he

(or another bricklayer)

Would ever notice

 

That imperfections

Had little to do

with the skill of his craft

and more to do

with the pride of perfect labors

when one can walk away from

Content in its completeness.

 

This made him feel

the work unfinished

his mission no accomplished

Yet the homeowner who hired him

was in a rush

“Don’t touch a thing!

Looks good to me!”

ushering the tradesman away

With a check

and his own consternation.

 

Little did it matter to him –

when

30 years later

building still erect

every time he passed by

He could see

what he could not aright

 

And it made him sad.