In fires deep and flames that lick

the stone set ores were drawn forth

and this the copper purified from it

into the mold was poured

There to settle in the open air

as every metal raw and free

would now under the smithy's care

become as it were meant to be

Thus my restless soul was laid

on this anvil and hammered thin

There the tones of life were played

beaten out as the story begins

Fan the fire and pound the hammer

Drown with water and start again

Add the copper and be enamored

as this story takes each twist and bend

For a shining in the surface strong

blinding all who stare too long

like the flame it was pulled from

This could not burn in just anyone

So my passion through the night

born in the open forge of all

written in the songs I write

is as natural as mountains tall

I will not grieve the embers who

burned away my outer edge

I will not walk forever through

the ashes falling from my head

I shall light a fire new

and spark an engine for tomorrow

I shall not let regret rage through

nor live in empty and open sorrow

This is then my tinker's oath

to break and bend until I make

This is my coppersmith and inventor's rite

and the promise to myself I make