Fog clings to rusted track lines
Tuner kneels on oil-stained boards
Wrench turns slow on singing pins
Breath clouds rise like ghost notes
Damp hammers wake sleeping strings
Fog eats sound but melody stays
Rail yard hums a low refrain
Tuner works through grey morning
Case lies open felt worn thin
Tools arranged in ritual order
Fingers test each copper wire
Ears catch pitch in thick air
Damp hammers wake sleeping strings
Fog eats sound but melody stays
Rail yard hums a low refrain
Tuner works through grey morning
Teen watches from boxcar shadow
Lens captures oil on ivory
Shutter snaps the patient craft
Frame holds time in silver grain
Damp hammers wake sleeping strings
Fog eats sound but melody stays
Rail yard hums a low refrain
Tuner works through grey morning
Train passes ground shakes soft
Tuner pauses waits for still
Notes settle back in wooden chest
Fog swallows passing thunder
Camera hangs on leather strap
Fingers numb on metal body
Song forms in the damp cold
Notes build shelter note by note
Last string sings true and clear
Case snaps shut with final click
Tuner walks through lifting mist
Melody rides rails onward
Damp hammers wake sleeping strings
Fog eats sound but melody stays
Rail yard hums a low refrain
Tuner works through grey morning
Melody rides rails onward
Bass hums low through steel ribs
Camera clicks in damp dawn