copyright Jennifer Pendergast
Big Dumb Snakes
Thirty years ago we released the trains—flipped the switch (God speed!) and forgot about them. They trundled mutely across the country, delivering freight with perfect timing. Cheap too—computers don’t want to get rich.
Then the mistakes started. The book Tammy ordered arrives—along with chemo meds she desperately needs but can’t afford. The company shrugs: “Shipping error; we can’t take them back.”
An engine comes in the mail, unordered. A week later Andrew’s dies. It would’ve cost his monthly salary.
“To err is human but to really screw up . . .” people say, laughing. “Big dumb snakes.”
The Green-Walled Tower 