the train brings me
back alleys of the city buildings
graffiti walls of neglected streets
wheels bound to the south roads
i revel at the open spaces
of fields green & yellow
of trees lording it over the
rolling empty landscape
the train brings me
to new city with different
highlights & views
the towns are small packages
to be unwrapped with care
the folks who live here
know the folks who are just
passing by, who is
watching whom from the windows?
the train is a moving bridge
or am i the train
moving foward
and moving backward
after business is done
i note the small stores,
narrow roads, even narrower lanes
wildflowers greet you
as time slows down
my pulse mellows down to rest
the train brings me
perspective the colors of autumn
a nostalgia of the simplicity of life
in a small city & towns
but also a realization that i am
very much a big city person
i calculate the distance from home
in terms of verses i
pen waiting for the final
station stop
I felt like I was on the business trip with you, Grace, and could see the back alleys and graffiti walls in my mind’s eye, as well as the ‘trees lording it over the rolling empty landscape. I love the lines:
ReplyDelete‘the towns are small packages
to be unwrapped with care’
and
‘i calculate the distance from home
in terms of verses i
pen waiting for the final
station stop’.
What a journey seen through your eyes in such a vivid way, the thoughts that pass by as swiftly as the scenery! And always, words, your "verses," measuring "the distance home." Wonderfully penned, Grace.
ReplyDeleteI guess most train rides show the same scenery and unites train travellers across the world. You captured the sights of a small city beautifully but I loved most your closing stanza where verses measure the distance.
ReplyDeleteSuch a vivid journey. I could imagine being on the train with you. You and Kim both wrote of writing poems and returning home. I especially liked: "the towns are small packages
ReplyDeleteto be unwrapped with care"
Grace, I love the way you weave your inner reactions with the outside world, not just what you see, but how the outside world sees you. Nice!
ReplyDeleteMy train days are mostly limited to riding the El subway in Chicago, but the heave and lull of strolling meditation comes strongly back to me here!
ReplyDeleteI love your repetition of "the train brings me," and the overall mood you evoke with your enticing imagery, Grace!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written images, Grace!
ReplyDeletewhat else csn i say. Nice one!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by my blog.
much♡love
The train is a moving bridge... perfect way to state it. I love the colors and varied scenes in this piece.
ReplyDeleteI loved that last stanza the most!
ReplyDeleteYou have described this one day business trip perfectly! I've done a few in my time ... I recommend spending the night, getting to know that city. I have.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful perspective! I love "the towns are small packages/to be unwrapped with care".
ReplyDeleteI like this contrast in places along the train route. I also like living in a city but welcome a short time out in the country.
ReplyDelete'The towns are small packages to be unwrapped with care' I like that image!
ReplyDeleteIs amazing how many different moods a train can bring, just with miles...
ReplyDeleteSplendid poem, Grace. I loved the imagery throughout!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous is me, Mrityunjay (Jay)
ReplyDeleteOh, a nice write. I liked this a lot.
ReplyDelete