Orange flakes peel like old manuscript
Tide clocks the rhythm of my grip
Eighteen wheels scream overhead fast
I count the beats of years amassed
Rust choir rising in the fog
Salt wind conducting every dog
Heavy alto low and deep
Promises the sea will keep
Condensation writes on rivet rows
Fog horn bleeds where the channel goes
Trucks unload their neon hymns
I harmonize on rusted limbs
Rust choir rising in the fog
Salt wind conducting every dog
Heavy alto low and deep
Promises the sea will keep
Barnacles script a counterpoint
On steel ribs where the light won't join
Gulls land sharp on my frozen crown
Their cries write grace on metal down
Rust choir rising in the fog
Salt wind conducting every dog
Heavy alto low and deep
Promises the sea will keep
Night brings the sodium glow
Painting rivets gold and low
I vibrate with each passing chord
A freight car's psalm a rusted lord
Rust choir rising in the fog
Salt wind conducting every dog
Heavy alto low and deep
Promises the sea will keep
One last note the tide won't sweep
Salt sings through my seams
Amen in iron dreams