I have an internal clock (maybe it’s more like a calendar) that alerts me when the eZine has simply gone too long without a goofy contest. Some of the previous contests – the messiest shop and the weirdest project come to mind – were both interesting, and, frankly, a bit frightening. So it is with a degree of trepidation that I propose the Woodworker’s Journal eZine First Annual (depending on how this one turns out) Woodworking Poetry Contest. The poems must be written by the sender and need to be about woodworking or related topics (I’ll be the judge … no appeals allowed). Send your entries to rjohnstone@woodworkersjournal.com with “poetry” in the subject line. The winners and those with merit will be placed on an extended version of our Reader’s Response page. You’ve got two weeks to write your epic …
To encourage entries I have penned a short poem that will probably bring a tear to the eyes of many an English major.
My 50th Approaches
By Rob Johnstone
Sharp as a tack,
That pain in my back,
From lifting a big piece of plywood.
When will I learn,
Machismo to spurn,
And lift with my legs like I know I should!
Sincerely,
— Rob Johnstone, Woodworker’s Journal
