Push It

Down in the bunker we licked salty lips,
as the young Commander's frightened eyes sought
the red flashing bulb that'd say 'stand down, all'.
It didn't come. The silos had equipped.
Having efficiency asserted her hard grip,
the tuned machine of war counted to nought.
Grid references became cities to be fought;
toward eternity we carelessly slipped

"May God protect us." I heard a whisper.
"You best pray this computer doesn't miss."
Sirens blared out and time began to slow.
"On my mark, turn keys!" came the urgent order.
"There's resistance on my mainframe. What's this?
Excuse me, Sir. The computer says 'No'."

(14 lines)

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