Erika Koenig-Workman

Acadian Man


I recognized you

when you walked into town

with slow measured steps


Sure like your vocation

that occupation that leads

to places unforeseen


French Canadian man

of Acadian descent will

you outlive your trade


To devote your life to a

delicate selection of wood

is your dream fulfilled


Scent of yellow cedar

you work to make sawdust

Float about you


Satisfied with work

joins fits and seams

you celebrate late evening


If a man enjoys his work

the fruits and end result

he has lived a good life


I am happy for you to

witness the end of day

reward I revel with you


How I came to this situation

is beyond my imagination

what happens here is true


This mysterious ledge

on the edge of time

is what stirs my heart


Across my path a wanderer

dwells for a length of time

and a gift is given to me