Simon Brod
Emergency Cord
Our train is about to crash.
Many passengers believe it won’t happen.
They sink back
into lattes, memes, dreams.
Some are expecting only minor disruption.
They sigh,
review agendas,
reschedule appointments.
A few are beginning to look at maps.
They struggle to understand scale,
but hope
to find a convenient siding to turn onto and wait
until danger has passed.
One or two have gone pale.
They lose their breath,
bite their nails,
pray.
Only a maniac would insist
the train must stop
and everyone continue on foot.
People would have to cross the tracks unaided.
Those with first-class tickets, join the rest and walk.
Our baggage is more than we can carry.
Our feet might get blisters. We might get rained on.
Yes, it seems things really have gone off the rails.