I walk the line and check the tracks,
one shot of light in the breathless deep.
The hundreds that were torn still cling
as dust to the steel around me.

A pinprick lamp forms and condenses,
spiking a chill deep in my spine.
He touches a cap above an empty face,
and rubs stiff hands for warmth.

My feet grow heavy in frozen boots,
as the air blast forces shut my eyes.
I know it’s over and the way is gone,
as the blood specks fall down to the rails.

Then I reach fluorescence,
my heart pushing me to find the ground.
I check in with the voices above,
as only I am working tonight.

 

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