Trains can evoke many emotions. In just the last two weeks
two men have ended their lives by lying down on train tracks.
I have some sense of why.


Train of Thought

A country road late at night . . .
A freight train planted in the middle
Of cold winter field stubble like some
Graveyard of worn-out machinery,
Cornstalks scattered like bones.

The train has no beginning or ending,
No destination but here. Rust-flowers
Bloom on the cars and graffiti glows
Like neon signs in a foreign language.

Why here in the middle of nowhere?
Where is it going, and when? There
Is only one way from here, where
Days shorten and darkness deepens;

Or perhaps there is no way at all.
Stars slip away and I think how many
Have already died in a dark like this.
I wait at the crossing, and see my life.




Poetry by countryfog
Read 513 times
Written on 2010-12-22 at 14:38

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Doreen Cavazza
Nicely done! There's such a feeling of loneliness and loss yet, in the end a spark of hope. I really like this.
2011-01-02


Brian Oarr
A mind that ponders the lonliness of stars dying in the dark knows poetry from the inside out --- and that's the way of good verse.

Very enjoyable read, sir!

Brian
2010-12-26


Lawrence Beck The PoetBay support member heart!
I'll second what Nils has said. This well-wrought poem put me at the crossing. I had to get my jacket.
2010-12-24


John Ashleigh The PoetBay support member heart!
Very strong and potent. Pure dark art. Such a pleasure to read. Your use of language suits the words you write. Thanks for sharing.

Your friend,
John.
2010-12-22


Nils Teodor The PoetBay support member heart!
Very well written
There is a darkness
in the text but still I sense
a beauty as well
Thanks for sharing
2010-12-22



May what you see in the goodness you have shared with others and not the total despair the faint at heart gave way as to end it all. keen observation of the mind ahd soul of the weary. Great write as well:)!
2010-12-22



May what you see in the goodness you have shared with others and not the total despair the faint at heart gave way as to end it all. keen observation of the mind ahd soul of the weary. Great write as well:)!
2010-12-22