Scoop iron ore.

Crush, then fire.

Add carbon,

form a wire.

Machine cut, point chiseled,

forklift to truck, teamster grizzled.

Store shelf, boxed and sold,

tool belt pouch

to fingers, hold,

left hand.

Hickory handle, blunt face

callused grip, knuckles' grace

right hand.

Tap to set, then squint of eye,

swell of muscle, nerves fly —

Exquisite, the

arc of hammer.

Gift of labor.

Forget glamour.

Honor the artistry, honor the crew

for one nail

driven true.

First published in MOON magazine