An architect waited outside of a powerful man's office at 1 in the afternoon, sketching structures in his notebook and reviewing the projected inventory of supplies that would be needed. A town landlord who looked like a beagle opened his door, and got right down to business. "When will your work be done?"
"In time for Christmas, I hope. Please tell your banker friends about me. I build properties that last. I just need the funds to do it."
The land lord, intrigued by this wild-eyed builder, saw confidence in him that he'd only seen in the most prominent construction or railroad tycoons. What was special about this man, then?
His mustache was long enough
to be smoked like a cigar -
wasn't attractive to the women in his life
yet he felt it portrayed him as honest
and not bourgeoisie
"Not only will I build it. I'll pay you to have them watch me do it."
The landlord took out his small clipboard
necessary for noting down details about pesky tenants
and fouls committed by belligerent house animals
he wrote, "A mad man, but ambitious."
The builder went on to become the "Metropolis Man"
the individual who turned the Earth into a giant city
who rendered the steam engine of mankind
re-buffered, re-destined, reshaped
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