Forged in Fire

A sword becomes strong

as it’s tempered, fire, cold water, hammer,

fire, cold water, hammer.

Life brings us fire, the warmth of laughter, the heat of a lover’s touch, the intensity of a family’s bond.

Life dumps cold water, the sudden loss, the grief of that loss, the loneliness that follows.

Life hammers us, with societal pressures,

with emotional hardship,

with self-doubt.

The bitter will break, the gentle ones will grow strong

and persevere in spreading kindness.