You buff the hide with slow steady hand
The hangar hums a low mechanical band
Each stroke brings shine to boot and shoe
While stars burn cold outside the view
Footsteps ring in the steel night air
You count them all with patient care
One by one they fade away
Orbital dark holds endless day
The needle pulls the waxed thread tight
You mend the seams by amber light
No storm winds howl no waves crash loud
Just vacuum silence wraps the crowd
Footsteps ring in the steel night air
You count them all with patient care
One by one they fade away
Orbital dark holds endless day
Your fingers know each crack and crease
Like charts you drew on rolling seas
The leather drinks the oil you spread
While thoughts of gravity fill your head
Footsteps ring in the steel night air
You count them all with patient care
One by one they fade away
Orbital dark holds endless day
The shift bell rings the cycle done
You set the last repaired pair down
The hangar doors stay sealed and shut
Your lamp burns low in orbit's rut
Footsteps ring in the steel night air
You count them all with patient care
One by one they fade away
Orbital dark holds endless day
Footsteps ring in the steel night air
You count them all with patient care
