THE WOODCARVER

by Everett Ellenwood

I saw this piece of wood one day

When I picked it up it seemed to say

there’s something hiding inside of me

Remove some chips and you will see  

I looked to see what I might find.

And soon an image came to mind  

My task was now to set it free  

What’s hidden in this piece of tree

With loving care each cut was made 

Wood peeled off with a sharp edged blade  

And as each chip fell to the floor  

I could see the object more and more  

By one final cut it was set free

My work of art for all to see

This piece of wood which would just lay

And see it’s body soon decay

Was now transformed and given life

With careful cuts of gouge and knife 

By carving something from this tree  

It lives again because of me