Wood Turning Poem by Gary Bingham

 

Turning Wood on A Lathe (a poem by Gary Bingham)

 

A hobby and for a small minority, a vocation

Wood secured to a spindle which moves in a circular motion at a high rate of speed

A wood turner standing nearby hopefully with a face shield and dust mask. 

The turner in many cases has a plan to produce a bowl, vase, ornament or other object

With or without embellishment

This activity involves many processes with a set of tools called chisels, resting on a piece of metal, called a banjo

The process is very physical and demanding

Involves constant decisions

Regarding which tools to use and how to use them

New techniques are learned along with ancient practices

Chips fly, dust envelopes the area

The process requires deep concentration.  A trance can occur in the mesmerizing stream of cut wood.

The process adds meaning to life through the power of creativity. 

Patience is required and the ability to deal with mistakes, failure, cracks. 

Correcting, resolving, overcoming design flaws is constant

The creative process is continued by sanding, applying finishes, polishing.

The joy of success in the finished product overcomes most life’s disappointments.