The word came over the loud speaker

At a local fabrication shop.

The message was recorded. It said

That all work must stop.

The men and women working there

Looked at each other and began to say,

“Whatever are we going to do?

We never expected this to

Happen today.”

One by one each machine was turned off.

Extra tools, shoes and clothing

Was packed away with care.

For no one wanted to leave, for most

All their working life. They had

Worked there.

Each one took their turn at the old time-punch clock.

Not knowing what tomorrow

Might bring together they began to walk.

Their cars and trucks were loaded,

With all their personal things

Many exchanged hugs.

Some expressed their feelings.

Some just couldn’t believe how on earth

Could they do this? We are like family.

But the message was recorded

There was no one there to see.

The last few words it said,

Hit like a falling stone.

Someone please turn out the lights,

When every one has gone home.