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Training Experience: Novice
*Image of Take In North America by Amtrak.
Training Experience: Novice
All onboard, the Pacific Coast-Liner,
it is seventy-seven, my first leave
of a first year's work. A bit sideliner
on board, the conductor took my bag, "We've
an opened dining car?", ... only diner.
Hilly city skyline glistens, task the
stars a righteous challenge as bay bridges
chime in, and scores mankind not to go, "Huh?"
Though, not bested but balanced by smidges,
from the dining car, swirled eyes go gaga!
Speckled dark over SF Bay, a shaky
train crossing tracks, passing seductive woods
and dotted town lights yond away. Snaky
mountain passes morning eyes, a boyhood's
dream grasped tunnels and frames of white flakey.
Portland, a short stopover, unknowing
passengers, like me, went to the station.
Town postcards I found and left, ongoing
browsing for some soon turned to frustration
as the train went without them ... mind-blowing.
Fronting Portland's downtown district, the view
is great o'er the Columbia River
we crossed to Vancouver. Washington cue
our end's nigh and the train will deliver
me soon to old friends, of a boy they knew.
The quaint King Street station close up ahead
and as I'm all packed and ready in my
private cabin. It stopped, chose I instead
to be last. Friends asked the agent if I
missed it? "He looks Hawaiian?" He pointed.
2021 October 14
*3rd Place*
Railroads, A Historical Glance Back
~~BJ Legros Kelley: Judged 2021 November 16
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