The Apprentice Wood Carver

Remnants of historical papers discovered held close
in trembling hands, begin the steeping of thoughts most
provoked by the faded words; indentured, seven years.

"Son of Richard, in 1704, set forth to ply a trade
with St Oliva, Southworks carpenter shop conveyed
forth as a faithful, dutiful apprentice.

Where the master did train
in the fame art which he reigned,
by any and all means that he did,
teach and instruct,
or cause to be taught and instructed -

Whilst providing meat, drink, apparel, lodging,
and all other necessities, whether bodging
or sawing, according to the custom of the
City of London during the said term,"

Through those ornately hand-carved doors,
then began a legacy - across many, many scores,
great-grandfather's - eight generations removed.

So day and night, the apprentice served,
restricted to partake not of cards, dice, reserved
toward any other unlawful games -

nor frequent taverns nor play-holes observed
nor fornicate or contract matrimony during time served,
whilst under the license of the said master.

Thus a legacy, I proudly claim was set forth across the span of time
as life's happenstance abraded the polish, the shine
of those double-hand-carved doors
entered frequently by a family member of mine.