The Forger's and the Fencer's Art

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Forged in fire, scalded in consumptive flame

Love like a blade majestic gleaming, turning, twisting, emerging never quite the same

The forge's heat intensely fed, searing white and molten red

Tries the mettle's purity, needed to endure

Skillful hands determined to keep the blade's design

Tempered love is stronger, to the future's benefit such finer edge inures

Joined together, blade and grip, trusts the forger's hands won't slip

Fate knows well the forger's and the fencer's art, ignites, then hones from hilt to tip

I feel at once amazed dismayed that I inflame and wield

An epee point against itself, exposed with naked shield

I cannot bear to hurt the blade though stronger 'gainst the fray tis made

My love, I'd rather hold your hand

And parry all who between us stand.

The Forger's and the Fencer's Art  - The Courage of Intimacy by Keith Ainsworth                                                                                                                              25