The Sleepers Awake

THE SLEEPERS AWAKE

For century or more they served
Unchanging paths they always kept
As in a dream the tracks preserved
With faith immovable they slept

One day as on a given sign 
Their somnolence came to an end
They woke and each looked down the line
Thought: ‘Now’s the time to make amend’ 

The drivers were caught by surprise
(They never chose to left nor right)
And they could not believe their eyes
At unexpected views in  sight

What should have been a vernal place
With nothing but some cows and sheep
Revealed a bustling teeming space 
Of cars and people half asleep

Some passengers were due for shock
Arriving not in Waterloo
But disembarked at Pembroke Dock
Some stayed; (it was a nicer view)

Some thought they headed for train boats
To  Marseilles Nice or yet Cadiz
But woke in sight of John O’Groats
Got off the train with shivering knees

These days of glorious free ride
Gave inspiration, passing strife
When they could choose and they decide
And thus perceive a truth of life

Then with a satisfaction deep
They resurrected each old line
And laid down there once more to sleep
Perhaps to wake another time
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Legros Kelley Avatar
November 17, 2021 at 3:41 PM
Geoffrey, I wanted to stop over and congratulate you on your very high placement of your poem 'The Sleepers Awake'. It was a wonderful entry in the poetry contest 'Railroads, A Historical Glance Back'. I really enjoyed reading your poem! Thank you for being a part of the contest, and I really look forward to reading more of your poems ~BJ
Brewer Avatar
December 4, 2021 at 7:47 AM
Many thanks for your kind words, BJ.
Alex Avatar
November 16, 2021 at 5:46 AM
Very interesting how lines are neglected and resurrected. Great writing. Congratulations!
Brewer Avatar
December 4, 2021 at 7:46 AM
Tank you for your response, Alex.
Messina Avatar
October 26, 2021 at 11:09 AM
Very clever and witty, Geoffrey, great entry for the contest. Congratulations on your placement. All the best...Charlie
Brewer Avatar
October 30, 2021 at 1:09 PM
Thank you very much, Charles.
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