Sonnet to Hammers

Vulcan seated hammering on anvil flanked by Venus and three cupids/ Marco Dente, circa 1515–27

Behold the hammer, purposed to pummel,
imposing iron blows with blunt objects,
explosive force exerted by raw muscle
in dense service to cathartic projects.
Perhaps a dullard’s ideal device —
unleash crude impulse, let loose fierce intent,
raucous, barbarous blows ably suffice
when crushing granite, righteous rage is spent.
Hard-headed mallets wallop round pegs squared
or pound coffin nails, orbed ballpeens batter,
claws shred errors, sledges leave no stone spared,
gavels squelch dissent, jackhammers shatter.
All else failing, left with no other means,
I’ll smash all resistance to smithereens.

Gregg SAPP is the author of the “Holidazed” series of satires.