February 8th, 1878
South of Trout Creek, west of Cedar Lake
On a winding mountain trail of the North Pacific Union Rail
The snow arrived on time, the circus train was running late
Rip spot's past and all the knuckles worn,
Firebox bursting to the running boards
A pounding in his chest, crushing like a cider press
The hogger rode the throttle 'round the bender like a flank-strapped horse

ELEPHANT [addressing the frightened animal car]:

'Let's return now to the dust as the dust we are;
tonight, our bridal fate, the hour's come to consummate!'
And drove her massive body like a truck into the iron bars
Limestone thrown from out the hopper's back
Ash Cat tossed against the diamond stack
from cradle to caboose, the frozen bolts broke loose,
sent that cage spinning like a dreidel off the icy tracks

Run on, Rabbit, run!
Before the East sky wakes the sun!
Sails set to the dreadful cold,
Until your anchor-heart takes hold
Run on, Fox