The Tools
********** I drew with ash on ancient cave-stone walls, While blood and sweat ran dark through broken palms. I thought that pain alone created art, And wore my wounds like medals on my heart. **** I carved through life with chisel, wood, and stone, Like stubborn kings who starve beside a throne. I called my chains devotion to the craft, While wiser men moved forward strong and fast. **** Then came the men who spoke to light and glass, Whose silver engines worked with lightning fast. They built great worlds before my work began, While I still carved one shadow out by hand. **** I mocked their craft and cursed the tools they used, Like frightened priests whose ancient gods were bruised. “This is not art,” I proudly said with scorn, “Machines make copies where no soul is born.” **** But through the cracks the restless night-wind spoke: “You praise the hammer more than what it broke. You think that suffering itself is wise, While stronger ships already cross the tides.” **** The trut...