Tested By The Fire

Am I to be tested by fire?
Tempered, as steel, to forge the keener blade
Can I possibly survive?
Emerge from the flame
Purified
Purged

Is such searing necessary?
Must all that I am (or thought I was)
Be melted to the core
And poured out
Liquefied
Molten

Am I to be totally recast?
Refashioned at the anvil by heavy handed blows
So unyielding that I require
This violent a process
Hammered
Pounded

I would choose a milder makeover
The gentler touch
Of potter to the clay
The subtle training
Of gardener to the vine

Is the smithy to be my only master?
If this is the form of refashioning I truly require
Then I shall try to endure
Hopefully
Gratefully

Shall I be made more worthy?
I ask only that the process leave me bettered
By whatever bellows and blows
Keener blade
Finer mettle
Stronger
Truer
Brighter
Tested by the Fire