The Blacksmith by Amado Hernandez A lump of iron ore pried out of the mountainside yields to the fire’s touch until it softens; then after patient hammering in the forge, it is molded by the smith to his heart’s desire. A moment passes—and a tool emerges, the lump of ore turns into a steel plough; it turns up the soil with fierce energy, to the rhythms of sowing, under the blessing of rain. Then one day revolt blazes up, the whole country is a fiery volcano, the true patriots organize an army to direct the battle’s unleashed rage. Swiftly the old plough is made white-hot again, the burning edge is forged anew: it turns into a blade that seems to vow vengeance for the injuries of a people. A piece of steel, and yet it does not glitter, its value never can be measured— Forged into a plough it helps to nourish all! Forged into a sword it is the anvil of the land! Look upon the blacksmith, solid as steel, humbly quiet in his corner; for in his work-stained hands he holds life, liberation and his nation’s selfhood.