Michael Finkelstein, Eco-Woodturner
Ode to a Bowl ~ by Judith Anapliotis

On April 10, “oh” seven
Our mighty maple fell
Yup, our tree went to heaven
While our hopes were dashed to well

I’m sure you can imagine
The depth of our chagrin
That maple was our lifeline
Mid-century it had been

Part of a lovely woodlot
Near Minden, so we’re told
Its brother’s on the corner
A beauty to behold

When nights turn somewhat chilly
(My words here must seem bold)
But this remaining maple
When it turns liquid gold

Its but a paler version
Of our departed tree
Whose red and gold celestial
Maintained our sanity

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Is someone Knocking on our door ?
There stands this handsome hunk
Is this a case of less-is-more ?
‘Cause he wants to take our trunk

He’s quite ecstatic at this thought
His imagination soars
He sees bowls, trays, that can be bought
(Not quite enough for doors)


And as I’m cozy warm inside
He freezes at our curb
He measures, saws, then checks again
This guy is just absurd


He does this for two hours
This measuring- sawing thing
He has his mental powers ?
Should I give his wife a ring ?

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It sits there on my dresser
There’s no sunlight there, you see
This two-toned thing of beauty
(“Should last till eternity

If loved and handed carefully”
The little card informs)
This work of art surpasses
The craftsman’s usual norms

It’s smooth, it’s sleek, it’s gorgeous
I admire all the time
Its symmetrical perfection
And best of all ? – It’s mine

For Michael & Maxine
In Appreciation – Judith Anapliotis
July 2008
It’s been my practice to offer a bowl to those who have kindly given me access to use logs
from their felled tree.  In April 2007 I noticed City workers cutting down a tree, so I asked the
homeowner (Judith) if I could cut a few logs to make bowls & platters.
Shortly after Judith got her bowl,   I received this delightful poem from her.
Handcrafted from environmentally recycled trees