The Locomotive

Hear the lonesome whistle blow, it echoes across the vast
Continental divide, connecting the Pacific and Atlantic
Coastal shores, by the steel rails iron horse.
It raged in blazing thunder, leaving a storm cloud of white
Smoke in it's wake.
Lightning's hell speed, drives this devil's steed, with flames
Fire, feeding it's belly, by coal and sinews muscled sweat.
The wrought iron beast emerges, from the black pitch of night,
It's sharpen wheels of harden metal, cut, slicing through the
Raw flesh of mother earth, leaving her bleeding crimson red.
Bound and shackled, is this monstrous man-made beast,
Held captive, by the leg irons of progress.
Men covered in soot and ash, tend to the heart and hearth,
Of this demon bringing forth greed's prosperity.
Greased and oiled, pistons push gears, driving this seemingly
Living creation, of mechanical engineering, lit are it's eyes of
Fire, burning through the blackness of night.
The engineer holding the throttle to the floor,
Praying to God, he'll see the sun's dawning
Once more.
Tribal chieftains stand tall on a grassy knoll,
Observing the iron horse below, as the eagle
Soars above, shedding it's feathers in mid airs flight.
As the weeping woman cries, for her people,
For she alone, realizes what is it come.
The mighty buffalo, roam freedoms open
Tundra, as a herd of millions, soon to be
Nothing but dust shadows, phantom ghosts
Legendary beasts hunted by the native braves.
Around the sacred camp fires of old these
Ancient story's of the courageous hunters, shall
Be retold to generation to come.
The mighty Buffalo are brought to the brink of
Extinction by the long rifles of the white mans gun.
Yet these white devils still come, like a tidal wave,
Washing the prairies beauty away.
Hear the lonesome whistle blow, it
Echoes across the vast continental divides,
Connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coastal
Shores, by the steel rails iron horse.

BY: CHERYL ANNA DUNN
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

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

Callus Avatar
July 13, 2014 at 8:19 AM
Well done, Cherl! Great write. We do not have trains in Malta, though once there was one, before I was even born! But by age 9 I had the fortune of going to Sicily and riding on one of these driven by coal/steam engines. It makes for an everlasting beautiful memory. // paul
Guzzi Avatar
July 11, 2014 at 7:38 PM
wonderful ride Cherl! I too am a fan of trains I love the steam engines best. Light & Love
Vaso Avatar
July 10, 2014 at 8:36 PM
I love trains and train rides, this is such a wonderful poem. Sorry haven't been here as much due to work, but hope to have more free time soon!!!!!!
Andresen Avatar
July 10, 2014 at 8:52 AM
- I can both see and hear the locomotive (the iron horse) ...... antique from the old days - Enjoy reading my friend Cherl :) - oxox // Anne-Lise :)
Nehls Avatar
July 10, 2014 at 6:10 AM
So called progress always seems to take away so much. You have described this part of our past beautifully, Cheri. You seem to be a master at bringing a picture to life with your words. Very well done, my friend.... Robert.
Anish Avatar
July 9, 2014 at 10:50 PM
Reminds me of the song "Canadian Railroad Trilogy" by Gordon Lightfoot. Excellent historical poem here! Peace & Love Matthew Anish
Dietrich Avatar
July 9, 2014 at 4:11 PM
It is incredible how good you are at describing these things from history such as the great trains from long ago. Love your style, lady!! (I think it's grass knoll, but not sure!)
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