Cross Country****part 1of 2*****

Miles and miles of open country pass as the train moves. A sudden thrust, jolt then nothing. The earth stands still. Wind circulates pushing branches, leaves dance with the melody.. We sit.. Or movement halted by a slow moving freight, we do an unheard of twenty five miles per hour. I need a shower, shave, clean clothes. A bathroom stench overwhelmingly horrific, waste scented essence in the air, mixed with the body odor of many who share. On the toilet seat, look, a pubic hair.. Finally, we slowly begin to move. A conductor walks past checking destinations screaming: "Next stop Chicago." Passengers gather their belongings furious for the twelve hour delay. Glossy eyes, scowls, a common look amongst the strangers. Again, the train stops, deep breaths and a few colorful phrases spout from a dozen or so. A group of five sit and curse the situation, hoping for a new permutation. Hunger, fatigue, and back spasms corrupt my mood. I am in need of food. Sleep is not something that my body has seen. The ride so far not peaceful, nor serene. The delay has caused my lay-over to cease causing me to jump trains hungry. Where the meals range between $8.50-$15.00 a piece. As I run to my next long acting bedroom on rails, I smell food in the distance, hamburgers, fries, and chicken. Oh, how this experience has sickened me. ........:JP)