Whistle Stop

It sits empty and sad having gone from good to bad, where once there were people now there is only a vacant steeple, the church is bare, except for a few; there's not much left, only the morning dew. Like so many places across this land this old whistle stop sits closed and broken down. Where once as children we played, catching fireflies in Mason jars, and dancing with sparklers in the front yard, now the homes are closed and falling in, the stores and movie and grocery too stand bare and empty with nothing left to do, and down the street there is hardly a trace, of the old school, so that we wouldn't recognize the place. We called this old whistle stop home and memories we still keep, every time the freight passes it makes us leap fireflies still light the nighttime summer sky and millions of stars still live close by. So even if the train doesn't stop any more, and all that is left is its' mournful whistle; home it is, and home it will be, no matter if there is nothing left for us to see.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Dietrich Avatar
December 15, 2011 at 9:43 PM
wow, this is so sad and yet homey. Is it a real place or something just imagined.That poor old whistle stop place. I hope you are inspired to write something else soon, and wonderful like this.
Kendrick Avatar
September 4, 2011 at 7:24 AM
Enjoyed this one for it reminds me of the movie "Fried Green Tomatoes" and the Whistle Stop Cafe..People go there now because of the movie..So many places that were once booming are now gone..Homes that were well kept are no longer kept or painted..Farms that were great producers no longer are worked..I think that the small farms need to come back..Those that were diversified so that the farmer did not have to depend on just one thing for his cash..Sara
Anderson Avatar
August 31, 2011 at 3:48 PM
Excellent Rhyme! Enjoyed your poem. Thanks for reading mine. JMA
Wesley Avatar
August 19, 2011 at 1:40 PM
Had to read this again, it tugs at the heart. Love, Elizabeth
Ball Avatar
August 17, 2011 at 7:15 PM
The old homested will always be home no mater what. Great job here my friend. Good imagery. God Bless, JB
Wesley Avatar
August 16, 2011 at 8:45 PM
You portray the loneliness and isolation of a deserted place with such emotion Richard, I almost feel myself there. It's so nice when you visit, You say such kind encouraging things and make me feel warm inside.
Brown Avatar
August 16, 2011 at 11:06 AM
I am so thrilled by the poetry I am reading this morning. Looks like everyone has found a pipeline to inspiration. This is wonderful and I am so happy your poetry is right here in this mix Richard. Thank you so much for sharing. Love, Carol
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace