The chippies request

Not sure if I have shown this before, but if so, please ignore- otherwise enjoy.
It's not really a joke, but I don't know where else to put it

THE CHIPPIES REQUEST

Ash and Beech and Oak and Lime,
I've worked most timbers in my time;
Morticed, dovetailed, mitred ends
Coves and mouldings, curves and bends.

Sturdy frames all screwed and halved,
Or scrolled and pierced and neatly carved.
Finials for someone's bed,
Tutrned plates and bowls to hold ones bread.

I've sawn and planed and chipped and drilled,
And glued and screwed and stained and filled.
With every type of finish toiled,
Limed and olished, painted, oiled.

And when the time comes, as it will,
When I can't hold a plane or drill,
And hands can't follow head or heart,
And joints, once strong, now fall apart.

Then take these aching bones of mine,
And lay them down in polished Pine,
And ask the Master Craftsman please.
If I might sleep beneath his trees.

-------------copyright D.F.M.