(3rd week May 2020)

When the Smith

Inset in the hilt of human pride
A gem of false security
born of the comfort
from repetitive patterns
is a dull and dark feature
of a fading generation

Sheath this decorative sword
with its traditional ornamentation
and stoke the flames
of the forge once more

Pour a molten and malleable hope
that the days to come
can cut away
the old chains
and old ways

Let the new mold be;
though unrefined
an instrument
to produce a better shape
and a sharper blade
when the smith
has seen it done