Phoenix Column
The Phoenix Column was inventedAnd patented in 1862 by Samuel Reeves,Vice President of Phoenix Iron Works.It consisted of sections of rolled,Flanged wrought iron, riveted together,Creating a hollow structural columnThat was lightweight, but strong.It enabled the Phoenix Bridge Company,An affiliate of Phoenix Iron Works,To design structures that set world recordsFor vertical height and distance spanned.They built Phoenix Column bridges, trestles, and suchAll over the United States and all over the world.Until the day they didn’t anymore. Eventually, everything changes.The Phoenix column was made obsoleteBy the steel I-beam, which is easier,And cheaper to manufacture.Foreign competition took its toll.Phoenix Bridge Company and Phoenix Iron WorksBoth went out of business.Condos now fill the space whereThe open hearths and rolling mills once stood.But the history remains.And I consider the fact, with no small sense of irony,That I compare myself to a Phoenix Column.I'm lightweight and strong, but hollow inside,And well along to being obsolete.