Coppicing for a walking stick (Poem)

(February 2023)

INTO THE south facing hazel bank we go with our pruning saw and loppers,

It’s coppicing season – some 10 years we’ve waited and boy the woods gone bonkers,

I’m dancing with eagerness to say to a hazel stool,

Down you come, here at woodwork school,

We’re looking for long straight poles, but what for?

Bean poles, arch ways and yes, a walking stick- no chore!

We tread across the steep bank to the area yet to be touched,

There’s fresh unseen greenery- I almost blushed,

Ah! Here’s one Amara calls for the forked walking stick,

It’s sturdy enough- it might do the trick!

My Grandad ‘be proud, he used to have so many,

The polished and smooth ones for the fells in plenty.