A poem for paper lovers, book binders, printers, marblers...

PAPER WRESTLING by Claire Beynon

Pretend you're breaking in a horse

                                 don't be intimidated

let the paper know who's boss

                                 acknowledge its memory

encourage it to relax

                                 if necessary, walk on stockinged feet

tune into its voice

                                 don't mind its splutters and coughs

treat its fibres with respect

                                 rein it in, but not too much

breathe

                                 recognize the fact that it's breathing, too

place your wine on a bookcase

                                 kneel down in anticipation

caress its surfaces

                                 ask it what secrets it knows

listen

                                 look at it against the light

take it to the trough

                                 have an old towel handy

make sure the water's not too cold

                                 you don't want any shocks

see that it's not too hot either

                                 lest your best intentions come undone

keep in mind green tea left too long

                                 lazily served in a wide-brimmed cup

wait for the sign that indicates it's time

                                 take the plunge and lunge

move fast or the paper will think

                                 it can get the better of you

handle it firmly, addressing it

                                 in low and patient tones

trust that with time and persistence

                                 it will succumb, may even let you in.

From: "Open book: poetry & images" by Claire Beynon

c Claire Beynon, 2007, Steele Roberts Publishers, Wellington NZ

ISBN 978-1-877448-15-7

www.clairebeynon.co.nz

Thanks to Claire for permission to post this poem which I found in her book of poems and paintings (details above) on my last visit to New Zealand. As an unashamed paper lover I felt an immediate connection with the poem and I hope it speaks as eloquently to my readers as it has to me.