Through shoeless feet I feel
The ground trembling
I thrust my fist into the air
And pump it up and down
The blast of the horn drives me back a step
I yell, but my voice will not rise above the beast’s roar
My heart’s beat begins to match the rhythm from the sound
Of its massive wheels and my head swoons as I watch the cars gently roll from side to side…Powerful and terrifying
It seems to lift me off my feet and pull me closer
I am afraid the steel monster will devour me
My legs will not let me back away
At last I see the bright red caboose
I wave my arms wildly and in answer
To my exaggerated welcome
A grey sleeved arm
Slips out the window
The gloved hand waves
The roar subsides
The trembling vanishes
On weakened knees
I cross the tracks
Beautiful verses Jerry..
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Thanks
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You create a powerful dynamic picture of strength and fear intermingled – highly atmospheric poetry, Jerry.
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Roland, I appreciate your words of encouragement.
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A masterful piece of prose ! An example of an Alchemist of word transmuting something base and banal into something precious . Thank you Jerry.
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Thank you Nigel.
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The cadence of the poem captures the cadence of the approaching tran
Well done.
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I was relieved when I read the last few lines. I’m glad it was the side not the front. The intensity in your poem deceived me, beautifully, I would say!
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Thanks, I lived within 100 yards of the train tracks when I was a kid. I definitely have a love/hate relationship with them.
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I can understand. You know what’s the intriguing part about train, they ALWAYS look wider on the inside!
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Haha! Maybe it’s the T.A.R.D.I.S. effect.
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Haha, could be!
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Great poetry Jerry. You had me there with you.
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Thanks Davy
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I was holding my breath yet at the same time the images just impressed upon my imagination. lovely piece Jerry
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I thank you or reading and commenting. I am glad it conveyed the emotions I was trying to express.
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You have done very well to capture the awestruck response of a child confronted by the power of a train.
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Thanks. The mind knows you should back away but it has you mesmerized. The ‘deer in the headlights’ I guess.
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Great poetry Jerry.
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