Steel On Steel

Joshua Tillman

A one, two, three, four


It was a long walk to the parked car

Keep your head down, keep your hands warm

I already can't see straight

Miles and miles from where we began


And I heard steel on steel

Blinding light and grating wheels

Everything moves so fast

Leaves no time to ask

Does nothing last?

Do all things pass?

Just ash to ash?


It was a short story to tell

Over and over to myself

Each time it became more clear

The only one to blame was standing here


And I heard steel on steel

Blinding light and grating wheels

Everything moves so fast

Leaves no time to ask

Does nothing last?

Do all things pass?

Just ash to ash?


What a curse

What a lie

Destined to survive

And relive every night

Like my hands were tied


A one, two, three, four


It was a long walk to the parked car