Woodcutter’s Memo
It will fit into the firebox
If — when she measures it —
Its height doesn’t reach
Lumbermen
My father —
An old lumberman now
Tells me a little yarn about one
Of our descendants who were all
Sawmill owners and loggers and
How Grandfather Henry when he was
Cutting off Mount Greylock for his mill and
For the state of Massachusetts carving a
Road out to the mountain’s summit also
Worked over one landowner for most of
One night about a particular oak tree he
Wanted and left quite pleased from his
Visit with the man because he was given
Permission to cut the tree he had already
Earlier in the day cut down
Hauling Wood
Winter after winter I used to cut my
Cordwood on the hill and backpacked
Up fuel jugs, water jar, an apple for a
Snack and chain saw, and when I had my
Wood it was always near Spring. Over the
Spring I usually did something for Native like
Stonework or carpentry and in return he would
Bring his truck over when the woods were
Again dry and begin to haul the cord
Wood out with me and stack it at a
Landing near the house. Without fail
He always began with the woodpile
Furthest back in the woods, until after
Some days we ended the work with
The one closest at hand.
for Alden
Reclaimed
Where loggers
Went through
Now Johnny
Jump ups
______________
Bob Arnold
Yokel
Longhouse
2011
