Saw

CUTTINGS

The saw chewed along the pencil line
With my thumb as a guide

‘Long and slow’ he said
As I tried to create a groove

All the names got me
Coping, Hack, Tenon, Bow

The names always sounded
Evil

‘Nice and slow’ he ordered

Sawdust built up and I blew it away
With the same speed as blowing birthday
Candles
Creamy flakes snowed the bench
My thumb shitting itself
As the triangular blades
Cut, sawed, bit, jumped

And he stood there casting a shadow
That still hasn’t left