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Railroad Lullaby
Railroad Lullaby
I would rock myself gently
just enough to simulate
the rolling motion of the train,
imagining the click-clack of
weary iron wheels carrying me
off to some distant place,
someplace other than here.
Whistles from the distant switchyard
taunted me, lured my mind,
enticed me to run for the passing train
grab the rattling metal handrails,
climb aboard and sit, legs dangling,
rocking to the rhythm of old dreams.
Scents of wood smoke and oil
and steam mingled with the aroma
of fresh cut hay fields, newly turned
soil, rain just over the hills. Small
towns rippled past, two quick blasts
at the crossings, covered bridges roared
in protest to the intrusion.
The sun set behind us, giving the rails
the look of molten hot ribbons searing
their mark upon the land. Shadows lengthened
and were lost, a lone light sought its
way through the darkness of a child’s dreams.
7/28/2015
submitted to – Trains and Fantasy poetry contest
sponsor – Mystic Rose
Copyright ©
John Lawless
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