joining the machine

fingers locking into the grooves
between the teeth
of the great god gear

joining the machine

finding point and purpose to stalk Sisyphus
before we are lost in the imponderable

joining the machine

the great god gear turns
and we are pulled
as our slack runs out

joining the machine

pulled in pulled on pulled apart
our hearts start and stop and start

joining the machine

bracing our last traces of face
we ride with pride into silence
the violence of sentience surrendered

joining the machine

to serve as little more than lubricant
to a future generation

joining the machine

because we didn't dare we didn't care
to shout a warning over the thrum
of torn flesh and grinding bone

joining the machine


William F. DeVault. all rights reserved.