Forge

Whose corded, muscled arm

Wields the hammer of your

Shaping?

Does the sweaty, heat reddened skin
cloak the warrior, scholar,
Fool?

When the fires of creation flare
Changing your soul, will you
Endure?

When the flames leap white-hot
Will your being be tempered and made
Strong?

As you are beaten thin, again and again
Will you be broken through, or remain
Whole?

When the smith pounds in earnest
How will you be
Reformed?

When your mettle is tested,
Will it become
Strengthened?

As the sledge falls  another time
Will you be crushed or hardened
Throughout?

Whether blessed or damned
Will your smith ruin you, or make you
Priceless?


Ken Goree