statecraft

do they know
at what they work
its curvature
of space and time
its unrelenting
gravity
complete implacability

do they know
at what they play
elaborate
geometry
interminable
hierarchy
intransigent stability

set in motion long ago
since then been building steam
controls
not one we'd recognize
those few and far between

taking turns up in the cab
they've given it a go
eight years
or seconds said and done
more sacrificed below

as it accretes and rolls along
its relevance a long lost song
engraved by rote upon us all
oh beautiful we do recall
in principle still is

the elegance
of parts and wheels
the tarnished gleam
the cab-formed feels
the spin with which
they've made us reel
and dance to their designs

if we look in
each other's eyes
trade shoes and tales
for just a mile
and act upon
what we will see
the juggernaut
will cease to be

© 2017 Frederick Andrew ~ All Rights Reserved