The Train Driver

Of course,I read the manual.
Who hasn't?
Words,nothing but words
Until it happens
And then it is burned,branded and imprinted 
Graphically and indelibly
Into your brain.

Sleep brings the nightmare alive
Again and again
You witness it over and over
In all its starkness
There's no escape,no way out

You can't stop the bloody  train in time
All you can do is spectate
An unwilling and helpless participant
By the time your eyes pick out 
The figure poised  on the parapet
Vulture like
You are at the point of no return

Slam on the brakes
Jolt the passengers awake
The body in crucifixion mode
Glances off the cabin glass
Pupils dilated  and inward looking
Staring within

You stand frozen
Unable to avert your gaze
And then time stands still
Journey and jobs disrupted 
Until the gruesome recovery 
Is complete

But that frozen snapshot
Haunts my memory
Flashing up 
When least expected
My albatross 
Seared into my mind
Spitefully roosting
And beyond oblivion
Torturing my soul
And draining
My will to live.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2019



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