Where It All Stems From

I lay a tile on the floor
I line it up and make sure
That this is where I want to start
As once it's set, won't come apart

I work the dimensions of each room
As I simply can't assume
That they will all, fit just right
Only with my line of sight

I work a pattern to display
Before I even start to lay
This extra time to align
Makes everything fit just fine

Now to add the cement
As I know where each tile went
I'm so proud and I admit
Each tile becomes a perfect fit

Now I pause and let it dry
So tiles set where they lie
There's no rush, nice and slow
And only one more step to go

Now it's time for the grout
This my favourite step no doubt
To fill the spaces in between
And make it look all pristine

I'm so glad I took the time
And years later looking prime
Though I think back to my past
A complete opposite by contrast

And only if I planned this way
Instead of a path that was stray
Where all my tiles would start to crack
Each time I tried to walk back

Because I rushed the glues not set
And each direction was a bet
But now too late now to move that tile
I so blindly set as a juvenile