Leslie Fish The Arizona Sword
[Warlord]
"Blacksmith, make a sword for me, such as none did ever see
For ancient symbols of majesty have power in troubled times
Blacksmith, make me a magic sword, one that will make me the valley's lord
Whom folk will hail with one accord to save them from their crimes."
[Verse 1]
Seeing he would not be deterred, the blacksmith took him at his word
And pondered long on what he'd heard about this would-be lord
He pumped the fire and he made his start, melted iron in the fire's heart
But he named the steel with an older art: the Arizona Sword
[Verse 2]
He chanted words to the blazing mix, of ancient Red Men's and White Men's tricks
To draw a spirit, and purpose fix in what the blade would feel:
The iron laws from Nature's hand, the ruthless will of the desert land
The freedom no one can command- and cast that thought in steel
[Verse 3]
And when the blacksmith's work was done, the new sword gleamed like the setting sun
All down the blade did the old runes run, a warning plain to see
The steel was grained like the finest wood. A full yard long and more it stood
The runes read: "I serve but the good of life and liberty."
[Verse 4]
Near the hilt, set in copper wire, a phoenix rose up from the pyre
A copper star within the fire rayed out copper cords
The grip was like a saguaro made that clasped a moon in quartz and jade
In truth, like to no other blade was: the Arizona Sword
[Warlord]
"Blacksmith, well have ye served my cause. This shall aid me to make the laws
Hmmm, the guards are shaped like cougar's paws; in truth, like none I've seen
The price is steep, but I shall not carp. She'll raise more praise than a minstrel's harp
Ye gods, that blade is razor-sharp! …For a symbol, very keen."
[Verse 6]
"And cheap she'll be if I strike ye dead!" The blacksmith promptly turned and fled
The Lordling laughed and shrugged instead, and went out to meet his horde
He cried out: "This is the day foretold. Just one hand now this land shall hold, For in this sign will I rule. Behold, the Arizona Sword. "
[Verse 7]
"No more argument shall we find, but all hereafter shall be inclined
To just one purpose, and just one mind. Thus do I mean to do
Now go ye forth, and take the land." The sword heard well his first command
She lunged and twisted in his hand, and fell, and rammed him through
[Outro]
They say the sword vanished clean away, for none has heard of it since that day
But seek it wisely, and find ye may. Take care, who would be lord
Beware, ye tyrant! Beware, ye fool! For who is the master and who the tool?
Ye may well serve, but ye shall not rule the Arizona Sword
