Rust

RUST I am iron and so strong An age named after me From ore I am extracted Forged then beaten hard Melted and well tempered Into long bladed weapons Or more mundane items Claiming a successful role In mankind’s development Used in major construction Bridges, chains and towers Yet, with age and exposed After years in the sultry air I gain a dull reddish layer As oxygen and I are joined And continue to coexist I am still me, and strong Wearing a thickening coat Yet I’ll stubbornly refuse To concede my strength Until that final moment As rust gains advantage And weakens me enough That I must admit defeat Probably to crack or break And return to the earth