First Shift

Before the light can pulley against coal ribs the shadowsof mules, the fire boss must kindle the first lamp & cautionhis entry down slope. To make his living, the man becomesa canary, cages himself in the tunnels’ cryptic dark.Too quick his pulse & he risks sloshinghis guiding flame. Catching the air to burst. Steady,he must, the flighty grip of his fingers on the lamp's handle.Aboveground, his newlywed, with her cheekagainst his pillow, sleeps: her dreams flickering blue& uneasy. The world as they know it a wick.