Unchained Melody

There resides, in this world, a classification of work preserved only for genders. As politically incorrect as this may sound these facts remain so true.

I was privy to one of these jobs at a factory in Saskatchewan. While my company did not refuse the employment of men, for this one job specifically, only women were capable of the touch required to produce the quality of product we so coveted. So deft was the touch of our female employees we could not even conceive a machine that could perform the task so well.

I undertook a trip one spring to witness this phenomena for myself. There they were, a line of sixteen women that would rotate a single position every time the product needed a changeover. In a single shift every woman in the line took a turn at the most valued role, tying the sausages.

I watched fascinated as the sausage moved through the hands of the tier. Every three inches she would deftly tie a knot into the link all the while maintaining size and speed of the meat. These women had the most amazing skills. And the softness in their skin spoke volumes to the years of handling skin restorative fats. Long, beautiful, strong, soft hands.

The Lead watched me with some curiosity as I asked questions and marveled at the skills. At the next changeover she winked at her colleagues and invited me to the coveted position. She was going to guide me in the craft, to show me the artistry of sizing, pinching, and tying.

She sat me down and wrapped her arms around me. Her hands were placed upon my own and carefully I depressed the foot peddle to release casing and filling. The casing slipped through my fingers, her hands wrapped around mine. Her strong slender fingers squeezed down onto mine to pinch the link. She slipped her fingers between mine to twist the knot. We repeated this forming and tying ritual over and over, her breath hot on the side of my face, as she leaned over my shoulder guiding me, teaching me.

As we worked a hum was started, an all too familiar tune. The coupled sausage making reached a crescendo as the women on the line broke into full song, Unchained Melody, peals of laughter, this meat packing parody of Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore.

Eulogy for Mate

G'Day Mate, that quintessential Aussie greeting
Came so easy when it came to you old boy
Sure it was your name
But even more it was your nature
Even though few knew your name
All called you by name
Good old Mate
The pleasure of your company
Quiet unassuming
Few expectations
You were always the first to greet me here
Limping your tired body around your yard
To simple shine a friendly face to a stranger
The wag long gone from your hind
The desire there, the power extinguished
Memories abound around you old fella
Long walks partially punctuated by forced rest
Runs to Canadian Bay to see the water
Your people loved by and loving you
A best friend you are Mate
We know where all dogs go old boy
Run free run happy run in peace
G'Bye Mate

Land of the Faeries

Dark pool releases the light
Foam and bubbles turn green
In the dark dusk light
Anticipation murmurs
And she arrives
A sole Faery lands to the sand
She teeters on feet
Tired from her day of flight
Through salt and brine
Facing every direction she seeks
And sensing no lurk
Launches back to her sea
Her message pure joy
The Faeries arrive
Flights of beauty home come
From phosphor pools
Return to rest and to feed
These island mounds
Come alive with their chicks
Secure and quiet
Come hither to join
In the magic and joy
Of family and home
The music of love
Chirps, whistles, and whir
The tiny wee Faeries
Return to their stir

The Jesters Prayer

Know this of all, my majesty friend
The love we possess can overtake much
Keep it self close and share it abroad
Mingle it to friends, the elixir conquers all
Release it to ether
Release it to moon
Release it to wind
Feel none of things blue