Tales from the Dark Caves

Arrow Maker

"Cut the branch and sand the shaft,

Secure the fletchings with sinew wrap;

Carve the nock and grind the head.

Make sure the sharp will leave them dead."

This is what the maker says,

This is what he says.

"Cut twelve more and set them straight,

Grind the heads on whetstone slate;

Slice the feather up the stem,

Secure them tightly on one end."

This is what the maker defends,

This is what he defends.

"When the time comes, find your tree,

With wood of oak or hickory.

With each cut, find the stave,

And let the wood dry by fireside cave."

This is what the maker raves,

This is what he raves.

"When at last wood warps and bends,

With drawknife in hand, begin to amend.

With each taper pay even closer attention;

The bow may snap with too much tension."

This is what the maker mentions,

This is what he mentions.

"With a serrated, metal file,

Sand the grooves for strings to rest while

Tillering slightly and be soft--

For cracks will set the project off."

This is what the maker scoffs,

This is what he scoffs.

"When all is done and the string is set,

Sand her down and with darkstain wet;

Wait for the sun at dusk to fall,

And set into the woods at a hunter's crawl."

This is what the maker calls,

This is what he calls.