That which is gold
may not glitter.
Soft and malleable
though it may be.
That which glitters
may be
gilded silver
instead..
with a tarnish
still hiding
beneath.

Just like copper
develops patina..
after being exposed
for too long.
It is strong
and does not bend
as easy as gold..
but without
steadfast tin
it’s no bronze.

But the strongest of all
must be iron.
It’s the master of spirits
and men.
Whether cast
into swords
or to chains
or to nails..
Cold iron
is hardest
to bend.