Cold Steel Poem by James L. A. Huetson

Well his voice was gruff and his manner was mean.
He said, 'Kid you're supposed to help me on the bendin' machine.
Grab yourself and end and start to tote your load
and if you smart mouth me you'll never live to grow old.

COLD STEEL

Then we bent that rebar just to build 'em a store
and they covered it with concrete and asked for more.
So we furnished them the strength they needed to keep it up
and he said you don't do bad for such a young pup.

COLD STEEL

We worked more steel through the punch and the press.
We rolled it and welded it and done our best.
Some men lost a finger and some men lost a hand
but when we were finished we had us a dam.

COLD STEEL

We built dams and machinery and bridges too.
We built tanks and buildings just to mention a few.
That old mother steel she makes you thin and old
but the men who work her are hard and bold.

COLD STEEL

Hard and bold but quick with a practical joke.
Hard and bold men who have very little in their poke.
With a heart big enough to keep the world going 'round
We live for building up not for tearing down.

COLD STEEL

Words of praise are few for the work that we do.
Like the steel thanks is hidden 'neath a hard shell too.
But the words from a buddy overrun your cup
If he says you don't do bad for such a young pup.

COLD STEEL