Carpenter Mark’s Poem: Better Than You Found It

Cope and miter
Backsaw and slider
Wormdrive or winder
Uber-tough: angle grinder.

Apron or bags
Structural screws and lags
Sock it tight.
Work till night.

Plumb level square
Drain water down there.
Paint brush scraper and drops
Two-by grass seed and pounds of rocks

Sticks ascending to the air.
Nail it fast. Nail them there.
Leave it better than you found it;
The rule that keeps our family grounded.

Mark

A licensed contractor, tool expert, wood and outdoor enthusiast, and elite Spartan Race competitor, he writes about home improvement and tools for national magazines and websites, and teaches hands-on clinics for other remodeling professionals. Check out his book, The Carpenter's Notebook.

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