artist unknown
The Smith
Forge, forge, light the forge!
Find the human thread
Steel a unique mettle
And conquer what you dread
Call upon the inner Smith
That dwells within your soul
Feel the power of his grip
And share the awesome toll
Of forging lasting sacred bonds
That enemies can’t thwart
Conduct the ancient energies
And touch a human heart
Forge, forge, forge ahead!
There is no time to lose
Craft your love and weapons
If life it is you choose
You’ll need tools and implements
To shape, create, and carve
A place where you can coexist
So your spirit will not starve
Gather all the courage
You need to fuel the fire
Raise your mighty hammer
To a higher art aspire
Forge, forge, forge beyond!
Build an outer shield
If fate is inexorable
Take rest, but never yield
To life’s amazing challenges
That try to pierce your mail
Steadfastly work the bellows
Breathe life into your sail
Spark the torch of destiny
That helps you light the way
Walk gently, with a sword in hand
Make pottery from clay
Forge, forge, forge right now!
Strike the iron hot
Create your future boldly
Before the reigns are caught
By a hand that’s not your own
A force you do not need
Wrench control from wickedness
Plow on, and plant your seed
Honor great Hephaestus
His word remains his bond
Cast your lot in fairy ring
And hold our Mother fond
Forge, forge into the night!
And find the proper blend
Of metal and the elements
To ply and mold and bend
You must blaze the trails you seek
Pound out the gold you wear
Strong relationships and industry
You must fortify with care
Be the smith of your own forge
Whether human, dwarf, or elf
Embrace eternal wisdom
That lives within yourself
***
Theo J. van Joolen©2011
***
"Fate is wholly inexorable" is the translation of the Old English Wyrd bið ful aræd from the Anglo-Saxon poem, "The Wanderer."
Our Blacksmith by G. Clausen [c. 1931]
'Smith at Forge' by Arthur Rackam. Illustrations of Wagner's 'Ring' [1911]