Van Buren Station

On high-back benches
weary shoppers clutch their parcels
and slump.
Wrapped in a yellow green haze
Van Buren station sleeps
beneath Chicago's vibrant streets.

Outside, on wood-plank platform
we drink-in the coffee warmth
of October's fleeting sun.

"South Chicago, 23rd, 47th, 53rd, 57th"

Like some unraveling mass of I-beam steel
the tracks begin to rumble and shake.
The slant nosed Metra comes and goes.

Across the tracks in autumn plume
Grant Park displays her rows of golden elms.
A nor’ east wind dances bow upon bow,
with a gentle sway that shears away
a sifting rain of harvest leaves.

"Park Forest South, 23rd, 47th, 53rd, 57th"

On the slant nosed Metra
I hurry home.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Brown Avatar
August 4, 2011 at 7:58 AM
Congratulations on your poetry making it through round one in the PoetrySoup International Poetry contest. I wish you the best in the final round James. Love, Carol
Guy Avatar
June 24, 2011 at 9:14 PM
James, i have no idea where it is, but you made me feel the rumble and smell the gritty ride past Grant Park. the "call out" breaks it well, hear the air brakes. ;-)
Brown Avatar
June 23, 2011 at 7:26 AM
Congratulations on your well deserved poetry being featured this week James. Love, Carol
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
June 20, 2011 at 5:00 PM
Congrats on the feature. Great town. Vince
Sweetheart Avatar
June 19, 2011 at 2:46 PM
Congrats James on your featured poem this week on PS.. a great piece to share with us all with luv..
Haick Avatar
March 10, 2011 at 10:15 PM
Hey James, I've not had the opportunity to live in Chicago, but have passed through. You've described this train station and its stops so well, it seems. Love the imagery and the feel is somewhat like NYC. Enjoyed reading this. Annalise
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