AT THE FORGE

We have hammered-out forgiveness,
made it malleable upon the anvil, until
our last strokes ring no more of blame

and we are free to forge our own
self-reliance. We can choose
the shape of it, etch baroque design,

inlay silver, or let wear speak for itself,
quietly. Some will never feel the wild
clutch and release – be never tested

and yet well-made to hang on walls,
glint in parades and be called art – but
best to hold them all on a loose rein.

for Joe Bruce & Merlyn