Thirst overwhelms me as I watch the blur from the heat swirl and bend the steel before my eyes. Distant tracks waver and dance, distracting me from the task at hand. I have abandoned the thought of cooling off, and my only desire is to feel the slow burn of iced water in my throat; how great it would be to take it in right now.
A steam engine rolls to my right, wrenching and filling the
air with its soot. Like a ghastly beast it carries its quarry to distant
destinations and belches out steam as it passes by. Not only do I see it, but I feel its vibrations; like small earthquakes but all resonating
from these coal-filled cantankerous behemoths as they stomp their way through
the mine fields of metal.
This is my lot, to tend the railyards and track the
laborious cargo to points unknown. Among the supplies and rations are soldiers
from a distant land, frightened and in shackles; much like us but their blonde
hair and blue eyes give them away.
A twinge of guilt fills the pit of my stomach, but this is
my destiny. While soldiers storm the hills in treacherous battle and risk their
lives, I tend the tortuous fields of gravel and heat to do my small part. They
say my job is essential, that future success in this war relies on my grit,
sweat, and faithfulness to my job. But still I wonder.
Off into the distance the steam train winds and sways and
moves onward to the next mass of essential workers. My day is nearly done. But
the morning will bring a new set of rattling cars, the reality of a distance war,
and the bittersweet sensation of a job well done.
Grace in the form of a beautiful figure greets my greasy
visage at the door with a glass of cold, clear water. A warm meal simmers on
the stove. Sleep comes quickly; the long day of toil drifts away like clouds of
steam.
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