Boundary Condition

From the platform, iron iterates way into time.

The tracks are staples intervaled along my father’s spine.

Before me might be somebody’s father, waited for — white

choker of a condor, dry lips of lifelong acolyte.

I barely brush his arm, so as not to make him start.

Who knows how he might play out: cave in, tear apart?

He deeds toward me, wet wood breakable. All in all

of direst bark. This is how it starts, at last, I recall.

“I thought you were someone, otherwise.”

The rail lines rattle like beetle files.

He frowns. Establishes his palms.

“Tell me. Does that happen often, lamb?”