gears destined for rust and fallow fields
move smoothly in grime
for men in shirtsleeves
and women laughing in sunlight

silos line the horizon
stuffed to the brim
with pipe dreams and hops

children as shadow puppets
behind clotheslines
herald the bees and honey

thrusting pipes push earthen mounds
echoing coffins’ slumbers
men heave iron and wheat
on a forgotten country road