Blue Angel Wings by Katherine Svoboda
Last weekend my son helped me set up for a garage sale. Many of you know that I used to be a full time potter. I would go to art shows and sell my pottery. I have many little books or journals that I tend to jot things down in. I have also written little poems on scrap paper as well. Josh picked up an old Anne Geddes journal and tossed it in the trash. I quickly captured it from its pit of death and exclaimed that there might be something profound in it. My son just laughed because I tend to keep many things that seem worthless to him! I just want to share something that I wrote in that journal and if you have a piece of my pottery please think about me.
You take a piece of me home with you
Do you feel my presence in each piece you touch?
I am not plastic or cold like steel
But molded with love and God’s holy seal
The earth is my family
The fire is my friend
Mixed with humility and God’s tempered hand
I feel close to my maker as I lovingly drink from the cup of benevolence
And a bowl of fine wine
Drink and be merry with my pots so strong
Feel each loving stroke of God’s holy hand
Keep each piece close to you year after year
Remember the maker that brought you such cheer
Yes, I know. It is truly a bit sappy but it was a moment I remember long ago when I was watching someone in my booth picking up my pottery and caressing it, trying to make a decision. Just know when you are in any potter’s booth, there is a bit of the individual in each piece you touch!
Well Katie, you are absolutely right. I do have a few pieces of your work in my home and I do admire them every so often. Your poem is not “sappy” it is real, these were your feelings and that is how most craft people and self employed people feel about their work. People that have only worked for money will never understand that.
Paul
Yes, I know what you mean. I am a quilter and many hours go into the quilts I make – they truly are a part of me.
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to all my friends, for the reason that if like to read it then my friends will too.