In a broader context, an awl is a versatile tool traditionally used in various crafts, including leatherworking and woodworking, to create precise holes or indentations. In the poem "My Servant" by Eunice Tietjens, the term is used metaphorically to describe the shape of the servant's big toe, which is pointed and sharp like an awl. This imagery emphasizes the deformity and pain associated with her feet, contrasting with her contentment, and highlights the physical toll of her labor.

The term "awl" has origins in Old English, derived from the word "āwel," which refers to a tool for piercing. In literature, it can symbolize both craftsmanship and suffering, as seen in Tietjens' poem. Related terms include "piercer" and "punch," which also denote Tools for making holes. When using "awl" in poetry or prose, be mindful of its connotations of precision and pain, particularly in contexts involving physical labor or deformity.