Test of mettle
supple over heat
Given form under a determined hand
Unyielding pressure
properly placed,
each point chosen
Subject
Born of a belly of fire
(Fold backwards as needed)
Bent out of shape
and stays there
Twisted
Tempered
Even tempered
Strength safe in cooling
Blunt object
earthbound-heavy
sunk and settled in place
Steel trap teeth snap shut
to a grin
gleaming all unfortunate truth
Bent to a will
and hardened against it