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".
Copyright © Dan Cwiak | Year Posted 2015
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