Mistress,

 

This most humble servant will present his most unworthy work to you by year's end.

hahaha...since I am just starting with this too, I appreciate the "heads up", David.

Beginner’s clumsy

hands jiggle enamel all

over the kiln floor.

"The kiln was scary hot."

“But no more,” says the student,

“I’m a veteran.”

Bravo!

and:

Searing orange heat

The salamander writhing

Cool comes the phoenix

It must be the heat of the kiln that brings out the weird thoughts.

 

THE JEWELLER

 

I think I’ll enter an exhibition

Whatever I make will be sold on commission

All else in my life will be held in remission

Until my crafted piece is in perfect condition

Remember your goggles and handle with care

Those acid solutions - just don’t breathe the air

As you suffocate all while annealing your form

Be ware ’cause that kiln can get ever so warm

The features will be in transparent cloisonné

To highlight my skills in repoussé

With gold, of course, as the underlay

Giving scant regard to my fiscal outlay

Drawing the metal and weighing its mass

The gold by the troy ounce, watch out for the gas

As we turn on the burner to solder and flux

Reticulation ’s the buzz word for us

The set of the stones will all be in pave

A style I learned while en française

The task I’ll complete in less than a day

Will be all those pearls I’ll concentrically lay

Drilling a hole that will just take the screw

Oil well the bit or you’ll snap it in two

Make sure that your blades are all sharp or brand new

Don’t cut off a finger whatever you do!

A titanium chain would set it off well

I’ll drill it and file it and heat it to hell

I’ll rivet each link in a smooth spiral shell

And then pray to God that the darn thing will sell! 

 

   Lyndan Blackman 

Thanks!  That made my day!

 

lovely.

Lyndan and David and Harry, you've all made my day. Thanks!