Palinode 14

If a train can derail, unfetter itself, and run elsewhere,
The cluster of it, as feathers, if the whole plumage were to
Explode like a chemical fire in Kentucky, like a copy machine
That works for itself—
If these change course, multiply, fluff up—reddish orange like a chicken back and
Black like smoke,
I can, at least, be sure:
The children are vertical—not leaning away to leave us—
Last night they stayed beside us;
The walls are upright, loyal, not leaving

    as I understood before

    -How we need more children, like baby chickens
    -How we should be sure they are

    comfortable, amused, watching,

not growing
-or-
tuckered out.