The shiny bullet Punctures through space Fluorescents beat along the tunnel Scant light in the train Huddled masses inside And slows, braking The world’s fire becoming its smoke “There’s a trespasser on the tracks” Reads the bulletin “Safety measures now underway.” Braking and broken Doors open Feet and hands shudder in cold Too nervous to look at each other and say “hi” A drop of snow Pipes exposed The dream of our founders Departs northbound The man approaches, Born from the tracks, covered in soot — What does he want?