the tools were all working. They just couldn’t stop.
There was red and green gift wrap to mark the occasion.
And Chanukah blue, if that’s your persuasion.
Not all of the tools had been unwrapped last year;
many had spent quite a lot of time here.
Some had been presents from fathers and mothers,
from grandmas and grandpas, and sisters and brothers.
But now all were active. Their motors were humming.
The chop saws were chopping. The drum sanders drumming.
The jointers were jointing. The drill presses pressing.
What could they be making? Do we have you guessing?
which seemed to get smaller every once in a while.
There was oak, there was maple, bubinga and cherry,
all destined for presents to make people merry.
The smell of fresh sawdust was filling the air
as each handmade gift was crafted with care.
The boards were examined for figure and grain,
then sighted for cupping or checking or wane.
A large slab of timber was pulled from the rack
laid out and measured, now back to the stack
for even more pieces of wonderful wood,
in a contrasting color. Now, that will look good.
Then a ride down the table. And thus, the beginning.
The work was all sized to rough-cut dimension.
Then on to the bandsaw; but first, check the tension.
Each piece was examined with an eye so precise.
To assure cutting once, they’re all measured twice.
Next, to the jointer for a couple of passes,
all the while wearing these: safety glasses.
A workshop is one of those magical places
where lumber meets love to put smiles on kids’ faces,
where the skill of a craftsman produces such toys
as were ever desired by good girls and boys.
that made all those items more precious than jewels.
While the trinkets and toys had no shortage of takers,
the happiest feelings belong to their makers.
So, out to your workshops, men and women so skilled.
You are all members of Santa’s great Guild.
Start cutting and sanding and building some toys
then you too will savor the Season’s Great Joys.
