Hard America

Down on the tracks I remember,
If only in my mind's eye,
A time when there was a future,
Chances for men to fly.
Grittier days, no denying,
And some got caught in the gears,
While others toiled and sweated
Losing the last of their years.
But they had the chance to endeavor
And many of them did succeed
To build up a country worth having;
They weren't fickle folks always in need.
Down on the tracks I remember
And mourn the loss of that day
While digging in heels to seek greatness again
And keep the soft sirens at bay.