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We Heard a Whistle Blow

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The whistles screamed that cold dark night Winter, 1903 At least fourteen would perish Way out on the prairie The westbound Sunset Limited, Eastbound Crescent City Express, Met head on in a collision Lives lost in great distress Horror met the rescuers Two twisted trains in flames Of fourteen known to've perished Of two, were not found names A hundred plus years later, On the date and pre-dawn hour We'd come to the memorial plaque With Teddy bears and flowers Holding our thoughts in silence We walked along the trail Remembering the violence; Their deaths upon that rail Precisely 2:50 A.M What was it? We don't know But in our silent vigil We heard a whistle blow Sounding clear across the night Once long, Three short, Last long But there was nothing in our sight Praying - we moved along Our memorial under silver stars For those perished on the track Ended as we got in cars With one last look- a century back We'll never solve the mystery But do we need to know? Commemorating history We heard a whistle blow

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Silpika Kalita

Date: 11/24/2021 10:05:00 PM

A timeless marvellous classic composition, telling the tale of the elegy of bygone! Thanks for the classic splendid share... Silpika

Malabika Ray Choudhury

Date: 11/19/2021 3:06:00 PM

Excellent narrative of a tragic incident. Every stanza is remarkable, especially, to me.. " A hundred plus years later, On the date and pre-dawn hour We'd come to the memorial plaque With Teddy bears and flowers" - these lines are haunting and amazing! Best wishes ~ Mala

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 11/22/2021 10:34:00 AM

Thank you so much Malabika, for your kind words and for dropping by. It is rumored that children perished in the crash, and there were more victims than what were counted. It was called the Esmond Station crash. It was a tragic event and though over a hundred years ago, so breaks my heart. Thank you for your comment <3

Janice Canerdy

Date: 11/18/2021 8:14:00 AM

BJ, this is an excellent narrative poem--a sad story well told! Janice

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 11/22/2021 10:46:00 AM

Thank you so very much Janice, yes, I agree, it is a terribly sad and tragic memory of an event that occurred very long ago. Most in the area didn't know about it, and sadly, a shopping plaza was built over the site where many had once suffered and died. It took years before we actually learned when coming across what appeared to be a small ghost town, and then we Googled to find out about it, and learned about the train crash. There is a memorial site set up now, it won't be forgotten again.

Gary Radice

Date: 11/16/2021 7:33:00 AM

The whistles - haunting and spooky as they were - were a thank you for caring to remember and remembering to care. My take :) Thanks for the great read. Cheers - Gary

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 11/17/2021 10:32:00 PM

Thank you Gary, I think so too. We weren't afraid, just soo very sad. I want them to rest in peace. Thank you so much for your comment, and thank you for entering your fantastic poem in my contest. I honestly love that poem so very much. I do hope you are able to publish it in a booklet form. If I laid eyes on a poetry book of train history at a train depot, and saw that poem, I would buy it. It is a gem!

Elaine George

Date: 11/3/2021 5:39:00 PM

Excellent poem in tribute to a tragic event in history, BJ. Great story telling in poetic form. Thank you so much for sharing. Sincerely, Elaine

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 11/17/2021 10:38:00 PM

Thank you so much for your wonderful comment! I am thrilled that this poem is a fav for you! I want to honor those precious innocent travelers of so long ago. You have helped me to do so <3 Thank you Elaine!

Elaine George
Date: 11/3/2021 5:40:00 PM

PS...I AM SAVING THIS TO MY FAV'S.

Joanna Daniel

Date: 11/2/2021 11:42:00 PM

A lovely poem in honour of those lives lives lost long ago with a touch of haunting horror, BJ:)

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 11/17/2021 10:36:00 PM

Thank you for your words. It is such a sad and terrible historic event. It happened over a hundred years ago, and the sad event was forgotten for decades upon decades. I find that so sad. I am so glad they are being remembered now. My heart hurts for them.

Deb M

Date: 11/1/2021 10:23:00 AM

Wow… what an amazing beautifully written poem BJ. Hooked from beginning to end. Debxx

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 11/17/2021 10:43:00 PM

Deb, thank you so much for stopping by and leaving such a kind comment. I am so sorry I didn't get a chance to reply sooner, I have too little time to be on this precious site of poets, but when I can be, I am so encouraged. Thank you for your encouragement to me. I hope you are having a wonderful autumn season! <3 ~BJ

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 10/26/2021 7:52:00 AM

So beautiful, BJ! I read a book on the nameless who died on ships on the great lakes. It is could when we remember, when we show the depth of our lives…even one life, one event…somehow we are all connected. Fave!

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 10/30/2021 1:15:00 AM

Thank you Kim! I am so very honored that this poem is a fave for you :-) <3 That sounds like a really interesting and sad book. It is so very tragic when those who perished in accidents were not identified. The poor families of these lost lives probably always wondered what became of their loved ones. Hopefully, in the here after, there were wonderful reunions for them all. <3

Sara Kendrick

Date: 10/26/2021 4:18:00 AM

Ahhh!! Great story told in poetic form. I am thinking it is a true story also. There is no telling where the whistle sound came from on a still night but it made the visit so real to you and your family. Accidents like that make an impression on a family and on those surrounding that family and it is retold so many times because of the sudden loss of lives or injuries. I can't imagine what those families went through during that time of grief. Your visit to my page was encouraging. Sara

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 10/30/2021 1:10:00 AM

Thank you Sara! Yes, it actually is true. We have no idea what it could have been, it sounded exactly like a steam train whistle. I wondered if there could have been somebody messing with us, but there doesn't seem to be any way, besides our group, nobody knew we'd be there. Whatever it was, we will never forget that night. Thank you for stopping by <3

Eve Roper

Date: 10/22/2021 8:13:00 PM

Great write, BJ.. Enjoyed

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 10/25/2021 4:14:00 PM

Thank you so much Eve, I really appreciate you stopping by with your uplifting comment <3

Harry Horsman

Date: 10/22/2021 7:26:00 AM

LOve this intriguing poetry, BJ, The whistle sound is interesting, a Morse code for SOS I wonder.

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 10/25/2021 9:12:00 PM

Found this from everything2.com/title/whistle+code o --- o, means "Token not received or missed Wrong authority to proceed Passing stop signal at on with authority" Which is actually pretty much what happened in this train crash. The message was missed at Vails Station, one order was to pull over onto the sidetrack, and was never received. Chills...again. I have no idea, but, anyway, your comment has had me looking!

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 10/25/2021 9:03:00 PM

I looked at Morse Code for dash, dot, dot, dot, dash and it means equal. So I don't know. Maybe warning, same track? I don't know, such an interesting theory Harry, I just had to look it up!

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 10/25/2021 4:13:00 PM

Thank you Harry, I appreciate your encouragement. I have wondered what that was too, I wonder if it was Morse Code. I should look into it though. It gives me chills to think it was an SOS. It left a deep impression on our minds that we won't forget. Thank you for stopping by with that thought, I really wonder!

Krish Radhakrishna

Date: 10/20/2021 2:09:00 PM

This poem is of the highest quality! The last stanza and the one before - one last look a century back crown it all!! well done! Not sure I can match this brilliance!

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 10/25/2021 4:08:00 PM

Thank you so much Krish, that is such a high complement, and really blesses me. Thank you for stopping by with your kind comment!

Judy Ball

Date: 10/19/2021 12:17:00 PM

A beautifully written and well expressed poem commemorating a historical tragedy. The 6th and last verses talking about the whistle blowing is quite a kicker. Nicely done. God Bless, JB

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 10/25/2021 4:07:00 PM

Thank you Judy <3 It gives me chills sometimes remembering that event. We all just stopped, dead quiet looking around, then at each other when we heard it. We'll never forget that night, that is for certain.

Evelyn Swartz

Date: 10/17/2021 2:30:00 PM

Beautiful poem and full of history. I like your style.

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 10/25/2021 4:05:00 PM

Thank you for your encouraging comment and for stopping by Evelyn. I'm glad you like my poem. We live quite close to where this tragic train crash occurred. The history was long forgotten until rather recently, maybe fifteen years ago or so. I'm glad that others in our area will not forget this sad event again. I feel these precious people deserved to be remembered. Thank you so much for stopping by!

Paulette Calasibetta

Date: 10/15/2021 11:55:00 AM

A magnificent and powerful poem….. “But in our silent vigil we heard a whistle blow”…sends chills down my spine. Blessings, Paulette

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 10/15/2021 10:36:00 PM

Thank you for stopping by and commenting Paulette. The incident gave us chills as well, sometimes it still does. At the time we didn't have a terrifying or creepy feeling, I know that sounds strange. It was however, deeply sad. All of us that were there that night heard it, and none of us will ever forget it.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/11/2021 3:49:00 PM

Wow, this is very well crafted. I was reading what you told someone below and how the man had a premonition of this accident. If only he had listened to that!!

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 10/17/2021 1:12:00 PM

Did you got to BYU too? Yes, it is so sad. I know the feeling of not listening to a warning!!

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 10/17/2021 1:12:00 PM

thanks for what you said to me. I hope to read many more of your poems

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 10/15/2021 1:46:00 AM

Thank you Andrea, your words mean a lot to me. I was reading your bio and see that you went to BYU and you've published many poems. Your words encourage me so very much. Isn't it sad that he had a warning dream, and his fiancé didn't want him to go. I can hardly stand it. It is so sad. I wish he had heeded the warning. Thank you for stopping by sweet friend <3

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/11/2021 3:47:00 PM

Hi, fellow popcorn lover. Let me read this poem of yours!!

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 10/17/2021 1:13:00 PM

OMG, I love white cheddar!

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 10/15/2021 1:43:00 AM

Yes, I do love that popcorn :) Especially with lots of butter and white cheddar popcorn salt! I'm glad you're here to read my poem <3 :D

Gordon Mcconnell

Date: 10/10/2021 1:38:00 PM

Fine write BJ, on a somewhat sad accident. Good thyme and flow with fine imagery too.

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 10/15/2021 1:41:00 AM

Thank you Gordon, I agree, it is sad. Thank you for reading my poem and commenting, I always appreciate hearing from you. God bless you!

Robert James Liguori

Date: 10/10/2021 11:18:00 AM

Beautiful elegy! Your contest.looks interesting, I will enter!

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 10/12/2021 3:16:00 PM

I am happy you will enter my contest. I love everything about railroads, the history, the stories, just everything about them. Looking forward to your submission!

Vijay Pandit

Date: 10/10/2021 7:38:00 AM

Your memorial of this event shines, BJ. Unfortunately accidents on railroad are not uncommon--so many things can go wrong as weather affects the tracks and long journeys are prone to human error. Kudos for your research on this topic to honor the dead. We love train travel--have traversed many miles on Amtrak.

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 10/12/2021 3:14:00 PM

Yes, it is tragic. I love the railroad, but have not been able to ride very often. I have ridden the rails from Williams, AZ to the Grand Canyon a few times. If ever you can take that journey, I highly recommend it! Thank you for stopping by Vijay, I always love hearing from you. Glad to know a fellow Railroad fan!

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 10/10/2021 12:54:00 AM

How sad that people should lose their lives on a freak train collision. We can only remember them in our hearts.

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 10/10/2021 1:57:00 AM

Thank you for your visit Victor. It was unremembered for a long, long time. Absolutely terribly sad. There were newspaper articles from the time telling the horrible news of the day. A twenty-seven year old fireman on the Sunset Limited, a very handsome and well liked young man named George McGrath died in the crash. He'd had a dream that he would be in a train crash, and his fiancé begged him not to go, he was to be married on Sunday February 1st. The trains collided on January 28. Had he listened to the dream, and the warning in his heart, he would have been married four days later. Very sad.

Karen Jones

Date: 10/8/2021 11:01:00 PM

Such a charming write with a tragic subject matter. Was engaged till the end. Good job.

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 10/9/2021 5:18:00 PM

Thank you so much for your kind words, and for stopping by to read my poem Karen. I was over at yours, and read your poem Agape Indeed Amen. I love it so much. <3

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 10/8/2021 4:45:00 PM

Wonderful write. So sad and so yearningly precious is your reflective write. I love it. God bless you. Love, Gina

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 10/8/2021 8:47:00 PM

Thank you Gina, you always encourage me sweet friend <3 It is such a sad historical event. Then to hear that steam engine sounding whistle on the anniversary night of that terrible wreck was so spooky and hauntingly sad.

Shirley Hawkins

Date: 10/7/2021 7:15:00 PM

How sad, It's lovely to read that people still pay homage to the unfortunate folk who died on that cold dark night all those years ago. Thank you, BJ for the very interesting write.... Best Wishes... Shirley.

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 10/7/2021 9:31:00 PM

Hello Shirley, thank you for your visit and comment to my poem. Yes, it is so very sad. It still gives me chills to think about it, and bothers me that they were forgotten to memory for decades. More people know about the sad event now, there is a memorial plaque in their memory. Who knows, maybe more people will visit on the next anniversary of the tragic disaster. The strange thing about this wreck, was that across the country (of the USA), within a 24 hour period, there were three other train wrecks. From that time on the public began demanding safer practices, and more safety protocals were implemented, thank the Lord. Thank you again for your visit and comment <3

Lindsay Laurie

Date: 10/7/2021 3:45:00 PM

Hello BJ ... a fine poem of historical value to revive a sad tragedy. Well done BJ, and rhymed well too - Lindsay

Bj Legros Kelley
Date: 10/7/2021 5:48:00 PM

Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment on my poem Lindsay. It really is the saddest thing, no matter how much time has passed. We learned of this tragedy after living in the area for almost ten years. It was a forgotten piece of our city, yet when it happened in 1903, nobody thought it would ever be forgotten. I'm glad there is now a memorial set up in the honor of the crews, and passengers that lost their lives in the horrific railroad collision. Those people deserve to be remembered.