Iron
In the crust of a thousand islands, In the rocks and the dust of Mars, In the core of a whirling planet, In the breath of a billion stars The metal of Man was waiting For a brain and a thumb and fire. An age of history-making Began with naked desire; Firing, hammering, honing, Ready for food and foe, Blade and spear in the forest To swing, to thrust, to throw. Mankind has harvested iron, Harnessed its weight for war, Hard in the mouths of horses, Strong on the fortress door; Melting, moulding and casting Cauldron, helmet and chain, Armour against the weapon, Shield to carry the slain. Hoops for the cooper’s barrel, Rim for the carter’s wheel - And then the gun. And the girder. Man has discovered steel. With steel he plunders the planet. With steel he murders the trees. With steel he conquers his neighbour ... But loses to Heart disease. The crust of the whirling planet Is left with the rust of war, Waiting for souls to ripen Just as it was before. |