Railroad Lullaby

Railroad Lullaby I would rock myself gently just enough to simulate the rolling motion of the train, imagining the click-clack of weary iron wheels carrying me off to some distant place, someplace other than here. Whistles from the distant switchyard taunted me, lured my mind, enticed me to run for the passing train grab the rattling metal handrails, climb aboard and sit, legs dangling, rocking to the rhythm of old dreams. Scents of wood smoke and oil and steam mingled with the aroma of fresh cut hay fields, newly turned soil, rain just over the hills. Small towns rippled past, two quick blasts at the crossings, covered bridges roared in protest to the intrusion. The sun set behind us, giving the rails the look of molten hot ribbons searing their mark upon the land. Shadows lengthened and were lost, a lone light sought its way through the darkness of a child’s dreams. 7/28/2015 submitted to – Trains and Fantasy poetry contest sponsor – Mystic Rose