THE HAND IN HANDMADE

(metalsmith version)

-Layne Freedline

think think thud

think think thud

I’ve got soul, but I’m not a soldier…

(it’s my best hammering song)

think think thud,

think think thud.

I’ve got soul, but

there is no clock

in my studio.

If my shoulder found out

that I had been hammering

for two hours

I think it would quit

by way of yelling and storming out.

think think thud

think think thud.

This is the easy part.

It’s getting late.

I’ve worked through

the intensity of miniature construction

torch in hand,

steady, straight, even, still

the heat builds in the body of the metal

creating connections,

a breath away from destruction,

over heating,

melting down.

think think thud

the day is a memory

Lazer like concentration

carried the little lovelies

through grinding, sanding,

polishing.

A wheel rushing round

over 3000 rpm

horsepower ringing in my ears.

keep your corners crisp

Eagle eye,

keep your hands steady,

purposeful.

Don’t let go.

friction builds with screaming heat

the tiny stuff

gets hotter faster

Sting

It sticks around.

Tough, get back to it toughy

think think thud

think think bling.

A swing and a miss

Here she goes.

That’s enough.

A burn or a cut

wont shut me down,

but a missed swing

a knick in my anvil

That really does it.

Go to sleep my whirring machines.

The hand in handmade

is not as tireless as you.

I will recharge

and return

with spirited concentration.