Ironworker
Clubfooted worker drone, Vulcan of fires,
Volcano spewing fumes, forge of flames,
Blacksmith, smithy of blades and axe heads,
Armor-maker, breastplate and greaves, shields
Of flesh that, sliced, splits, spills and empties,
Outcast, deformed, with chunks of meteor
Or outcroppings of ore, discolored rocks
To heat and beat, smash into tools, despised
Triumphant drunk, riding a mule to the gods
To shape good uses out of studied ground
Dug, burnt, beaten, sweated, toiled, struck
With ringing resonance, clang of impure to
Power taking form, horseshoe for war steed,
Weapon for warlords and dim wannabes,
Hammered on the anvil, bellowing hot air.