Apprentice Master Poem by John A'Hern

That time of the year once again
Thoughts, memories flooding in.
Trying to make sense of these moments,
No one is exempt from emotion
Parent flash ignored for the present.
Back to apprenticeship days
Young and eager to learn
The result was a trade.
Important to your father,
Mother adoring watching from afar.
Duties include making tea in billy cans,
Making sure each brew was as ordered,
Setting out the meals for trades persons
An apprentice master watching over,
Sometimes angry, other times gentle.
Mistakes are made and rectified
Guidance comes in strange ways,
Words were spoken, not appreciated,
Now in later life, understood.
At the time, resisted the teachings,
Now could hug the person that taught.
There were times when interest dwindled
Prodding and encouragement make us listen.
Now in later years wish for revisit,
Meet and shake their hand?
No, would hug and kiss their cheek.
Helped make us what we are today,
Not only a trades person,
But a Mother, or Father
Just doing the best we can,
All started by filling billycans.