I
My father cannot say kiln
correctly;
it always comes out like kill.
I cannot help but laugh a little.

II
Always impatient
the kiln is opened
when pieces are still
too hot to remove

III
A ceramist on Siphnos
works at the wheel
to make each unique ware.
The kiln sits in the corner.

IV
A kiln makes the malleable
hard
but fragile–
there is no going back

V
My father cannot say kiln
correctly;
it always comes out like kill.
I am learning to laugh less.