barbara ann smith

The Steel Procession

The sun's a fireball burning
into my back and my body's
fluid is depleting fast.
My speed's at a snail's pace
to keep from falling down.
A mirage of water ahead but
find nothing but more rungs.

The stones beside the rails
fade in and out and
become a weapon against me.
Trees over the way beckon
like arms waving black flags.
My feet burn and toes bleed.

I've got to increase my speed
the devil's at my rear, and I'm on
a bridge can't get hung on the rungs,
don't, don't, look down, keep eyes
focused on a site to jump.
Look back the steel beast's
coming in full power toward me.

I run full speed, fast, faster,
bang, bang, my feet hit the rungs.
Run, increase my stride, run, run, and
run, to jump and hit the mark,
I did it, I hit my mark,
and cheated death but
the damn beast kept rolling.