Character and the Forge of Life: The Village Blacksmith by Longfellow

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow captures a character portrait in poetry. One we can learn from. One we can draw inspiration from. One we can share with our children and grandchildren. Published in 1840, early in Longfellow's career, this poem has stood the test of time but is less familiar to us today. That's too bad. It is rich. I memorized it in high school and couldn't figure out why at the time. Now, it makes more sense. Life is to be lived, and character is forged in it, shaped upon the anvil of experience. Steady, strong, true, present, and engaged. Not a bad way to be. Not a bad way to live. But we only get there through the fire and the pounding and the pressing on.