First to Touch the Blade

Matthew R. Callies

Steel hugs skin like trust,

plain, unflinching hemisphere—

not made to impress,

only to meet the first blow

before glory or silence.

  • Author: Matthew R. Callies (Offline Offline)
  • Published: May 9th, 2026 01:38
  • Comment from author about the poem: Inspired by the cervelliere, a hemispherical, close-fitting skull cap of steel or iron. For more context visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cervelliere
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 20
  • Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett, Tristan Robert Lange
  • In collections: 🔥Trending🔥, Over My Head.
Comments +

Comments4

  • sorenbarrett

    This is a lovely work that fits so well the item. Nicely done and a fave

  • Friendship

    nicely said

  • Tristan Robert Lange

    Matthew, this is beautifully controlled writing. “Steel hugs skin like trust” immediately establishes both intimacy and danger, and from there the whole piece carries this quiet sense of duty and inevitability. The shield is not ornamental here…it exists to take the first wound before “glory or silence.” Strong, disciplined work, my friend. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦‍⬛

  • nephilim56 ( Norman Dickson)

    good write, much enjoyed



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