The adults, by brute force, had an engine

in pieces. They must reverse the process

to move on.

 

The boy had found a manhole cover,

colourless and unreflective,

cast-iron and screwed down.

 

The embossed surface

incorporating random letters

caught in a labyrinthine pattern.

 

The system of runnels, cleared of dusty mud

by a finger, perfect for guiding

bright marbles corner to corner.