[Erik Olson]

tttttTHE B U I L D E R S

In these deep cubicles, and sullen floors,
Where water-cooler's chat of vapour pours,
Career revolves through paper cuts and chores.
ttNot so, the man outside who handles steel,
Whose fruit of labor all can see and feel—
His toil holds a primeval appeal.
1

[Brian Allgar]

These things are atoms; though they’re small, there’s plenty of them, near and far.
Just roll them up to form a ball, then light the fuse – you’ve built a star!
I think it needs a planet, though, so get some rocks and dirt and stuff,
Then knead it up like making dough . . . Not bad, but still a little rough;
You’ll have to smooth the edges out (I find that water does the trick)
And help the thing to move about by giving it a gentle flick
To set it spinning round the sun. But what’s that shiny extra bit?
A moon, you say? Oh, nicely done! I never would have thought of it.
Now, though it wasn’t in my plan, perhaps it needs a spot of life;
I’ll show you how to build a man, and if that works, we’ll make a wife . . .

Right, lads, that’s six days on the trot. You’ve earned a break, so down your tools
And get your feet up. Tell you what, take Sunday off – it’s Union rules.

[Julie Steiner]

"When will we use this stuff?" they cry
when algebra bewilders.
Miss Sybil deigns to prophesy:
"You'll need it when you're builders."

Each clamours, "I'm not gonna be
a builder!" But a chill
still greets her second prophecy:
a murmured "Yes, you will."

[Erik Olson]

Last minute but one more.

The Builders

Strong character makes the ablest
builders; it's more than skill we trust
in when they build the home our life
shall grow in with our kids and wife.
Each time we mount a building's stair
their hands secure us in the air.