Trainge Dreams

I dreamed I was a porter carrying bags that weighed a ton. Quickly answering in the Club Car when anyone called, "Hey Son"! I dreamed I was a conductor punching tickets neat as you please. Walking up and down the Passenger Cars taking the jostling at my ease. I dreamed I was a brakeman watching the signals along the trail. Jumping out to throw the switches keeping us on the correct rails. I dreamed I was a fireman keeping us on the roll. Getting grimier with each shovelful as I emptied the Tender of its coal. I dreamed of being the engineer throttling up or slowing down. Eyes vigilant on the rails ahead Steel churning on steel just above the ground. That Iron Horse was beautiful brighter than a new penny from the mint. When the sun hit upon it you couldn't help but squint. I dreamed of all the stations with children their eyes wide. I watched the gauges and checked the shafts my long nosed oilcan trustily at my side. I dreamed of a long line of boxcars being pulled behind like a rope. Getting freight from down below up the graded slope. I dreamed of trains as a child which carried me many a mile. Waking in the morning for school I couldn't help but smile. Growing into manhood with such dreams as these. I went to work for the railroad with my dreams as my keys. Now, when you see the gates go down lights will flash as I guide my Engine through. Listen for the horn and bells and whistle of the dream I found in my "CHOO CHOO".