Frost on the Valve Wheel

[Кіріспе] [Куплет 1] The gauge went red at quarter past two Ice on the rungs, wind cutting through A hairline split where the west seam bends The valve wheel jams; the pressure climbs again [Қайырма] Hold that tower, hold that line Town’s taps are coughing dry I’m up here with a torch and wrench You’re still debating who to warn [Куплет 2] I set my boots where the ladder shakes Below, the block fills buckets at the gate The supervisor says, “don’t start a scare” I say, “that seam won’t wait for a meeting downstairs” [Қайырма] Hold that tower, hold that line Town’s taps are coughing dry I’m up here with a torch and wrench You’re still debating who to warn [Guitar solo] [Көпір] The frost bites through my glove The patch won’t seat; the wheel won’t budge Call every house on the lower road If this tank lets go, let them know [Қайырма] Hold that tower, hold that line Town’s taps are coughing dry I’m up here with a torch and wrench Get them clear—then call it in