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River Crossing

Icy blue water showing through thin ice Train crossing on the bridge high above On silver tracks worn slick with the years, The trestle creaking, boxcars screeching One after another streaks of daylight Blipping through the narrow passages, Housing enormous couplers, air brakes Occasionally squealing cryptic messages Graffiti on the sides with sidewalk crayons Like strange Middle Eastern languages Moving too rapidly to be translated, Steam escaping, whistling for a crossing Several miles on the other side of the river. written March 8, 2022

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Laura Leiser

Date: 3/9/2022 7:33:00 PM

I absolutely love the visual picture you paint so well with your words, Milton! You did the imagism form proud! This is excellent! Good luck in the contest! :)

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/9/2022 7:35:00 PM

Thank you so much, Laura. This wasn't written for a contest. I do my best writing when I am NOT writing for a contest. I don't do well with prompts, as a general rule.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 3/8/2022 10:14:00 AM

Great discriptive imagery Milton, it was like a video playing in my mind. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/8/2022 10:48:00 AM

Thanks so much, Tom. That's quite a compliment. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 3/8/2022 10:01:00 AM

Sounds like an observance on a train ride , I love it .

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/8/2022 10:03:00 AM

Thanks, Mystic, for your comment on my poem. I'm so happy you liked it.

Mike Gentile

Date: 3/8/2022 5:31:00 AM

I love trains Milt and your images perfect create the scene! I feel as though I am below and looking above and hearing the sounds! Well done! Happy Tuesday !!!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 3/8/2022 8:05:00 AM

Thanks, my friend. Happy Tuesday to you, too! I have loved trains my whole life. I can remember the old steam coal trains which are a thing of the past now, of course.