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

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