Idle No More

Oil train sits in Lac Megantic Town folk sleep not so frantic Patrons socialize while they slept Unannounced the train it crept No such thing a train in idle This one proved homicidal Train engine fire silent alarm Town unaware no fear of harm First responders do arrive Count all engines numbered five Connected cars are seventy two Full of crude what would you do Disconnect these things on fire Bigger problem no desire Cut the risk to light the crude This decision would be shrewd Seventy two cars, assumed on brake Town folk safe that slept on lake Take in account train on slope Some brakes off more danger the scope Idle train crept no more Picking up speed problem galore This idle train left to chance Never checked not even a glance Explosion awakes town folk in slumber Instantly town folk less fifty in number People running saving some lives Survivors to hear fifty bell chimes Responsibility left to whom This decision in the courtroom On a slope a running car park Driver responsible ticket don't bark MMA you will be slandered Go to hell with your train standard You brought a man carrying sickle In Quebec you control your vehicle If you don't the charge is life Stand in camera and take it in strife Angry people you will see Many more including me. Left to idle a runaway Change the law starting today Always manned train must be Someone in place we must see Looking back cutting the cost Was it worth all lives lost? One more man not a big chore Let these trains Idle no more
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

A   Avatar
July 30, 2016 at 8:44 PM
Roland, Congratulations on your win. Thank you for supporting my contest --- 101 in a row. :) Stop by my blog "They Hang Horses, Don't They?" if you'd like. Always & Forever ~LINDA~
Kent Avatar
July 30, 2016 at 9:38 PM
Thank you very much for the karma, and wish you the same in abundance. Looking forward to checking out your blog.
Hagy Avatar
July 30, 2016 at 2:52 PM
Love the emotion in this piece, great way to immortalize this tragedy.
Kent Avatar
July 30, 2016 at 4:18 PM
Thank you for stopping by and giving it a read.
De Burca Avatar
July 25, 2016 at 7:36 PM
Great rhythm and rhyme, I remember reading of this tragedy some years ago, I could feel the exasperation and anger in your poem.
Kent Avatar
July 25, 2016 at 7:58 PM
I wrote this so soon after that the fifty bell chimes turned into 47. Thanks for your many comments. I do appreciate it.
Kendrick Avatar
August 19, 2013 at 1:58 PM
Congrats on your great win..Enjoyed reading this winning work today..Sara
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
August 16, 2013 at 7:26 AM
congrats on your win xx
Hamilton Avatar
August 15, 2013 at 4:49 AM
congrats on a fine win Shadow x smiles
Undertaker Avatar
August 15, 2013 at 12:51 AM
congrats on your great win. (:c Jenish
A   Avatar
August 14, 2013 at 5:38 PM
Hi Ronald, , ~CONGRATULATIONS~ . thank you for the awesome entry. When you have time enjoy the winners on my XOOL blog * Called "Just For You" http://www.poetrysoup.com/poetry_blogs/blog_detail.aspx?BlogID=15796&PoetID=18720 Take care --- xox Linda
A  Avatar
August 4, 2013 at 5:43 PM
Ronald,, your first poem on the soup is excellent for the readers, I love it!! Stopping by with a nice, sweet Welcome to Poetry Soup. Wishing you the best when it comes to your poems. I hope you get to meet all the nice poets around here. Starting with me. SKAT :-) Please drop a hello and tell me a little about yourself if you like. I would like to be your newest poetry soup fan and "FRIEND"....... God Bless..... Hugs* SKAT
Andresen Avatar
August 4, 2013 at 12:26 PM
Hello new member: Ronald ! - Welcome to P-Soup. - Thank you for choosing to share your poems here with us. - I look forward to reading more in the future. - Have a good time and I wish you luck. - (Give and receive comments) - oxox / / Anne-Lise :)
A   Avatar
August 4, 2013 at 10:59 AM
Good Afternoon Ronald, a nice hold and grip... deep thoughts -A nice warm WELCOME to poetry soup. Dropping by to invite you to my latest contest. You will find the contest page on the top left hand side* -Looking forward in following and reading your poetry. Hope to hear from you soon. You will enjoy the community, we are one big happy family. (Drama & Love. LOL) ~ Take Care!! From: your new poet friend @-> LINDA <-@.... ..
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace