MY NAME IS STEAM!
By Matthew Eastman, Army
Writing Type: Poem
I start in the boiler,
Cold and lifeless,
Waiting for my time to shine.
It begins with a lighted torch
To bring me to life.
After a short while I start slowly hissing,
Along with growing,
200 pounds
500 pounds
700 pounds
Right on up to a friendly,
But also dangerous 1,275 pounds.
I can't be seen, though my job is endless.
My friendly side makes many stops
Along the highway of lines
That travel the ship's passageways.
First stop, the engine room
Turning the n1ain engines
Allowing the ship to cut through the mighty sea.
Then it's on to the ship's laundry,
Washing uniforms to keep a clean crew.
Last stop is the crew's favorite place on board!
The galley and mess decks, cooking meals,
Keeping the crew fed and happy.
On some ships I launch aircrafts in less than 300 feet.
My dangerous side is that I can cut
Like a knife through melted butter.
