Words and Verses

DAVE, 1831

 

Several times a week

Master Drake brings

The Columbia Free Press and Hive

to the turning house.

I read Doctor Landrum’s

words and verses

for all to hear.

“He reads nice,”

one of the other potters says,

surprised

that I know my letters

and can read

Doctor Landrum’s big words.

 

All day long

I’m turning pots and jars

on the potter’s wheel

while my words and verses

swirl in my head.

But what’s a verse

if it can’t be read?

 

Someday

I’ll write down verses of my own

and sign my name:

Dave.