Page:The earth turns south (IA earthturnssouth00wood).pdf/135

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THE WHEEL

I.
The height of a man, it trembled in the corner,
Swayed by their entrance;
Its slender spokes were fragrant
With the resinous breath of pine woods
And of the pungent oil,-
Inert, waiting the touch of life
To bring it to life.

The old grandfather brooded a moment. . . .
"I am not sure what it will do . . . not yet. . . .
Not what I want it to do."

"And that?"

"To run forever!
From early time men have sought it,—
And I . . . for years. . . . But, watch!"

He loosened a clutch . . . a gentle push. . . .
Whirr—click! Whirr—click!
Around and around, and the click as the spokes,
Reaching the height, folded and shortened,
Lengthening again as it neared the bottom—
Whirr—click! Whirr—click!

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