Two Shoes....

He stokes the fire, wiping his brow
Hot fat steels are slowly warming
Before being thrust into the searing hot coals
He waits and bides his time until they are scorching

The fierce red metal is removed with vigilance
The heat furiously engulfing the location
The atmosphere is filled with the aroma of fiery metal
And burning hot coals, soot drifting in the combination

Sparks fly as the debris is brushed away
The intricate tapping starts with skilful precision
When redness fades the killer blows strike
The farrier works at the grove with rhythmic motion

Sweat pouring from his brow, like a dripping tap
So much to do while the metal is pliable and controlling
When the glow has faded it goes back beneath the coals
Heating up for the next round of bending and shaping

He takes the second steel and repeats the process
Sweat now drenches through his clothing
Muscles glisten, concentration depicted on his face
Continually stoking, checking the coals are scorching

Back in the coals the second shoe goes
He takes the first shoe, bending it accurately
Always tapping to start, then harder until the metal cools
Careful not to undo the work prepared previously

The glowing subsides, with feverish intent he continues
Crafting through tapping, bending, shaping the metal
Not a moment’s peace until the work is complete
His obedient customer waits patiently, standing tall

The shoes completed, cooled in the water
Made to perfection, made to last forever and a day
Nailed in position, shiny and bright
Another satisfied customer…. trots away

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Tags:

burning, coals, farrier, horse, metal, shoe and wigs