THE PIONEER
This old axe of mine has now earned its rest,
outstanding in a way like a symbol on a crest.
Purchased in 1926 this useful old relic is retired now,
along with a kerchief that wiped the sweat from my brow.
Over two thousand cords of wood it has produced,
keeping home fires burning and in other ways used.
Of bygone days what stories it would be able to tell,
stories of hard work and struggle and where the chips fell.
One lesson that it has taught me over the years,
was to make every swing count so no regrets or tears.
For it will be around long after I am gone and dead,
moral here is - I used my brawn, my axe used its head.
Gustaf Bernard Holm
February 1978