This could take me anywhere
Anywhere there's track
Deliberate movement
With a conceivable end
They call that which is gravely captivating: a trainwreck
Which is close to saying: unavoidable to notice
That doesn't excuse the conductor for being drunk
That doesn't stop the passengers from getting hurt
What if the doors opened and we were in Shangri La?
What if the next station was paradise?
Besides the normal mundane activities today, there will be a baby shower
For a friend that either made a mistake or needed something more
More than herself
So much trust goes into making these things: trains
All the complicated parts and precise construction
And then trusting those that came before
All that time and energy resting on top of what was built long ago: track
Then there is maintenance
Where the artisan meets tradition
Where all the good intentions get to test their boundaries
Maybe things will run smoothly
All the way to Loihi
But given the circumstances
And with history breathing down your neck
It's unlikely
That scenario begs for it: trainwreck
And so the doors will open
At Penn Station
And no one claps
Since I suppose we feel we are masters
Of that which is tied down to, or rolls upon
The ground
But I beg to differ
--
9.21.07
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