A low-loss antenna is the first construct
of the project enclosure
She spins the dial on the potentiometer
and if the needle on the high gain signal amp flies
she switches off the surge protector
her isolation transformed

But sometimes,
even with the precision lubricators
she'll arrive at a standoff,
un-insulated.

That's when she pulls the plug
flips on the resistors
-- a female quick disconnect.

Abeer Y. Hoque is a Bangladeshi in San Francisco.