The Train Whistle

When I’m drifting softly to sleep
I often hear a faint sound from 
across the valley, the whistle from 
a passing train, mysterious and lonely.

In my mind’s eye I can see its shadow
plunging into the darkness..
Only the wind left in its wake.
It takes part of my heart on its journey.

A lonely child played on the tracks
Arms outstretched, balancing.. bowing.
The old station..castle, fortress, friend.
Dreams of far away places and adventures..
In passing, a hand raised in greeting..a gift
to savor when twilight called me home.

Now, when I hear the glorious whistle
I pause to remember, in a way to grieve
the past.. and in perhaps, on occasion, the present. 
The train rumbled on…..into the night.


written in 09
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013


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Date: 8/1/2013 5:46:00 PM
When I am drifting softly to sleep? I have already slept, Barbara. Enough reminiscing! Thank you for the richness of it all.
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Date: 6/6/2013 10:25:00 AM
you take me back here with this wonderful poetry,, thank you
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Date: 6/2/2013 3:13:00 PM
I just loved the wistfulness about it.
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Date: 6/2/2013 3:12:00 PM
wow, this is the BEST of the ones I just read. a fave for this one!!!
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Date: 6/2/2013 6:05:00 AM
......and rumble on it does until it rumbles no more. great poem, barbara. it's been 50 yrs. since I rode a train but this write reminded me of those times. randy
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Date: 6/1/2013 8:16:00 PM
This is hauntingly beautiful Barbara. I really enjoyed it...love,Deb
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