Craft is King

I've always been a fan of volunteer work and there's never been a time in my life I haven't enjoyed it. After the Waterford Food Festival in Dungarvan my statement still stands. The atmosphere was bustling yet organized (even if we weren't), there was no arguments, lost kids or cues too long. I was able to work with my friends, answer questions and do something good for the town. I tried treats and snacks such as a cup of chocolate strawberries, hot dogs, and churros. The part that I loved so much was everyone's dedication to their work. I was speaking to one of the festival reps today and she said it was a record-breaking festival. I feel like that has to do not only with the community involvement but also the seriousness everyone holds towards the festival (while still having a good time). This seriousness and dedication reminded me of "The Forge" by Seamus Heaney. In this poem a blacksmith is talking about his craft in a way that's musical and full of imagery. The lines "Inside, the hammered anvil's short-pitched ring" and "Where he expands himself in shape and music" show the musical aspects of the poem. However, the lines where he says "The anvil must be somewhere in the center, / Horned as a unicorn, at one end square, / Set there immovable: an altar". These three lines show the smiths dedication to his craft reminding me of all the people at the festival dedicated to their work. The smith has his anvil in the center showing its importance and compares it to an altar showing his devotion. The festival workers had their own duties, watching for lost kids, keeping the cues in line, answering questions, etc. At the end of the day everything was perfect. They went home moat likely exhausted then got up the next morning and did it all again flawlessly.