Timeless Skill for the Win

The following is a poem written by Wicklow Writers Member Nora Fleming.  She was awarded 1st prize for Original Poem and was presented with "The Mary Myler Memorial Perpetual Cup"  in the Arklow Feis.  Here's Nora with the cup, and below is a picture of the Subject of the poem, Tailor Michael Johnson.  Congratulation to Nora!

Nora with 'The Mary Myler Memorial Perpetual Cup'.

Timeless Skill

He works alone, sixth generation,
placing the manikins for display
once a thriving family business
the master tailor prepares for a long day.
Through the plate glass window
hot rays of a welcome spring sun shine,
today he has a final fitting
a bespoke suit for a man of distinction.
After years of tireless hand sewing
his index finger bears all the
hallmarks of a pin cushion.
Once feet and inches
Now metres and centimetres
once Singer sewing machines
now automated industrial models.
His forebears turned out twenty suits a year
this three-piece tweed, lovingly crafted, only his fourth this year.
He checks his stitching, slope of the shoulder,
and waits
the most important customer of his life
the most important suit he’s ever made
an inaugural suit of honour
fit for a President.

-Nora Fleming

Michael Johnson, Master Tailor