Member Poem

THE KEENEST EDGE

It’s the keenest edge that makes the difference
Between the sharp narrow slit and a rough cut
Just as the right word or phrase when chosen
Chills the intended target, leaving them frozen
Yet a bumbling slash will achieve anything but
Mistakenly offering an unexpected deliverance

A grinding wheel begins a sharpening process
But a whetstone is needed for that final edge
A flat stone chosen for just that one purpose
With a gentle scraping on its smooth surface
Handling any sharp blade, almost a privelege
With the leather sheath providing easy access

Few would embrace a blunt scalpel in surgery
The most delicate small cut is often essential
Or the sharpest razor blade to shave the skin
With a final flourish, and leave a satisfied grin
Although a cut-throat razor is unconventional
If identified as a murder weapon, it’s perjury

So for any carving knife, axe, cutlass or sword
The blade is everything, whatever the handle
Whether it is long and straight or even curved
To be treated with all the respect it deserved
And to it, if blunt, nothing can hold a candle
So always select the best steel one can afford