"A Good Hammer"

I went to the tool store today, and I thought about you. I don’t know exactly why, just did. 

I thought, "What would you want or need from this tool store?”  

A screwdriver, no, some pliers, no, a hammer, yes that's it. 

Not just any run of the mill hammer, a big hammer, a framing one 25 ounces. 

So, I got one for you, took it to the check-out counter. 

The Woman said, building something?  

Trying too. 

The woman said, you know it’s the building part that’s fun and most rewarding. 

The woman continued, you know, you can’t over build, but you can under build.  

You must build with just the right measurements and tools.  

You should build it to last forever, never to be torn down by anyone. 

Yes sir, you got a good hammer here, I hope whoever swings this hammer has a strong heart.  

It’s made to last, forged steel and a handle of Hickory. 

I paid what I owed, and thanked her, thinking she’s a philosopher without even knowing it. 

I left the tool store and went to you. We talked about the usual things, school, and how you were doing. 

Then as I was about to leave to go to work, I said, "I got something for you.” 

I reached behind the seat of my car and handed you the Hammer handle first. 

You took it in your hands and said a Hammer. 

I said yes, do you have one? You said no, well you have one now. 

Everyone needs a good strong hammer made of forged steel with a hickory handle. 

You’ll need it to build a house someday, to build a lot of things. 

With those words you smiled, that’s all I wanted to see, your smile. 

I said I know it’s a little strange but someday you'll need it, trust me. 

You thanked me, still smiling, almost laughing. 

I said, "I’m sorry I have to go now, but I’ll see you later.”  

I drove off to work thinking of you holding that Hammer and smiling. 

I think I’ll get you a good hand saw next; you need to cut those boards just right. 

 

D. Randall Dollaway   2025