twilight of the CPL
The Sentinel

For decades they stood through the worst of the worst
and rarely they faltered - 'twas Duty came first!
Whether views due to weather were obscured or clear,
they told engineers "it's safe to pass here".

They were the Best of the Best 'back in the day';
now their finery has faded to a silvery gray -
and, slowly but steadily, as time marches on
post by post they're here - then they're gone.

A few are still standing, back in the hills
where life is less hurried and brings fewer ills.
But the day is approaching when only photos will tell
of the sentinel of safety - the great CPL.

Photo, graphic and poem © 2005 by Michael Calo
All rights reserved

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Last updated Friday, February 11, 2005