Desert Engineering

Oiled and ready,

springs with Teflon synthetic,

piston tiered behind 152mm,

primer punches into powder,

so much energy,

so little room.

Built for war, bought for awe.

Gas and political pressure unite,

take hand in its making.

Yet now so calm,

cold and gutted on my end table.

A masterwork,

steel forged,

kept safe,

kept clean,

it is its own museum.