Soft Stone Poem by Ruik Caldorn

I am only a rock, a stone of no worth,

I come from below, from the Earth I was birthed,

I lie dormant deep underground, never moving or making a sound,

You search and dig, you chisel and pound, a good chance I'm never found,

Rare I am not, my circulation is controlled, I am not cheap, high price I'm sold,

Due to greed my price is high, stolen and hidden, men fight, men die,

I am the softest metal, I am jewelry, I am treasure, I am used for dye,

You use me for your debts and dues, I pay for everything you will ever use,

First wrought in the age of iron, I never rust, I never tarnish, I am the color of autumns varnish,

I'm used for more than you know, I'm in most technology, even food as a garnish,

To no man I'm unknown, waste your life seeking me, you will always be alone,

I may surround you, I may be your only wish, you will stop now, for your mistake you atone,

Armor and the Arts, my influence travels far beyond both,

Without inducement I take this oath, your lands be stunted, there would be no growth,

Some value me higher than life, others seek me as buried treasure,

Occasionally I'm the object of war and strife, to gaze upon me is a guilty pleasure,

I sit and wait as I always do, It is my fate, my time is due,

You found me now, the search is through, you cheer to everyone, the whole crew,

What do I stand for, I am freedom, I am misery, I am chains, I am power,

If your soul I have devoured, you ignorantly covet me until your last hour,

I am the shine, I am the luster, I am the glory, I am the fall, I'm the best, above all.