Leatherman

Dedicated to a friend who is a leather merchant.

Leatherman

Hides are his business

as he moves from airport lounge

to boarding gate

in a never ending cycle.

Taiwan, Vietnam, Italy

China, India, Portugal and America,

just some of his destinations

as he criss-crosses the globe.

There to seek skins, de-haired, degreased,

desalted and soaked in water

for up to two days.

Skins carved from the warm carcasses

of beasts who once proudly

roamed the plains and green fields

of planet earth.

There to source chrome-tanned

full-grain, top grain, corrected-grain and split,

for the shoes and hats, jackets and skirts,

trousers and belts

that will be fashioned

for us to vainly wear.

Not for his hands though

the rearing, the slaughter,

the skinning or the most "odoriferous"

tanning process, which is

relegated to the outskirts of town,

amongst the ranks of the poor.

11/05/17

Reviews

[Kelly Scheppers]

If I were that friend, this would be matted and framed at my place of business in a heartbeat. To write of something with such conviction that we seldom give acknowledgement to, simply staggers my mind. Very impressive work, John!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Kelly. He has not seen it yet as he has been abroad yet again.

[ReedWrite]

I love this, and to be honest, I can't tell you why in words. This is a piece that speaks to the spirit within...and it's why some hear the words with profound impact, and some never grasp a deeper meaning. You paint an incredibly vivid mental picture...and leave the reader feeling bereft, in an odd sort of way...as if sharing the leatherman's inner struggles. Not sure if that was intended, but it came across as I read your words. Nicely done!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you so much RW. We writers, as you will understand, feel humbled and grateful if someone is moved in some way by our scribbles. Indeed our friend struggles in many ways and you are very perceptive to spot it.

[andrew mitchell]

Informative but sad write John. To battle against giants in this trade today, and the greed from profits not shared equally on those who do the real work.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thanks Andrew.

[andrew mitchell]

you are welcome John

[Coyote Poetry]

A skinner. A old profession. I liked the poem. Made me wish to learn and know more. Your good description allowed the reader to learn a little bit. Thank you John for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Coyote. I learned a great deal about the trade when doing my research.

[Coyote Poetry]

You did well and you are welcome John.

[Island Hippy]

Aloha John, sometimes one does what he must to feed and house his family.
A trade that some cringe at in disgust but most have no idea how or where their fancy designer bag came from. Great poem John. Izzy

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thanks Izzy. Our friend works very hard.

[wordman]

i guess everything is for sale john,some suffer because of it..i would be happy with tennis shoes

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed, more sneakers, although man made fabrics take so much longer to decompose. Many thanks Ron

[Lydia Shutter]

A person's livelihood is not always thrilling. It does not take a person to the places of dreams. However, it is what puts food on the table and a roof over our heads. I am sure your friend will appreciate this well written tribute to his hard work. Lydi**

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I think he will. I will be sharing it with him over breakfast tomorrow.Thanks Lydi.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

the poor need to do whatever will put food on the table, but this trade?
yes, a profession borne of senseless slaughter...
so sad what we do for sport and dress.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed Jacob and most people do not think of the effect when on the 'high street' shopping. As big business convinces us we need their products. Many thanks.