Sleepy Whistle

Sleepy Whistle

A Poem by Cherrie Palmer

Sleepy whistle drifts away.


Now hear the clickity clack of the swaying train.


Meandering smoke trails behind,

 

as black on black outlines the night.

 

My bobbing head gives way to rest.

 

an icy pillow chills my head,

 

leaning on the window seat,

 

and the clickity clack consumes my dreams.


A baby’s cry redirects my sight, but weighted lids

 

reclaim the night.


Whispering lovers sweeten my rest

 

As the clickity clack of the rails do the rest.

Wheww! Wheww!

 


© 2020 Cherrie Palmer


Author's Note

Cherrie Palmer
yes or no to the hidden words?

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Featured Review

The train chugs along, lulling one to sleep... This poem stands out for me as I loved traveling on trains as a kid and the plethora of things happening on board. I'd never tire of taking everything in and yes I slept like a log! Loved the clickity clack. Thank you for bringing back such sweet memories, Ms. Cherrie!

Posted 4 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Cherrie Palmer

2 Years Ago

I missed your wonderful review and I'm sorry. Thank you so much for the review.



Reviews

Many great turns of phrase, I don't know for riding a train but you brought me there. It's great when a poem can truly impart an experience.

This review was written for a previous version of this writing

Posted 4 Years Ago


Cherrie Palmer

4 Years Ago

I am so glad you enjoyed this and was able to come along with me.
dearest Cherrie... two of my uncles were railroad men.
My mother would take me from Union Station in Washington, D.C.
to visit her family in Delaware. They were steam powered locomotive engines.
Much more nostalgic than the Modern Amtrak. Your poem brings back so
many memories. My mind is enriched with the feelings that still linger
in my mind. tenderly, Pat

This review was written for a previous version of this writing

Posted 4 Years Ago


Cherrie Palmer

4 Years Ago

When I was a girl my friends little sister said she was going to marry the man in the caboose. He a.. read more
I used to ride the Illinois Central from Carbondale to Homewood when I was a freshman and sophomore at SIU...

I found it so easy to sleep to the rhythm of the train...the sound of the wheels on the tracks...
the going home...such a peaceful, easy feeling...

you took me back to the sixties with this one...
j.

This review was written for a previous version of this writing

Posted 4 Years Ago


Cherrie Palmer

4 Years Ago

I agree, thank you . I removed them all but the last whistle.
jacob erin-cilberto

4 Years Ago

Oh I do like that last whistle....yes....
yes...yes....
Cherrie Palmer

4 Years Ago

I have been wanting to write a poem with hidden words, that may be next.
I have always loved the clickety clack of rail and track, so I appreciated the onomatopoeia of this rail journey. I do miss going on trains. Haven't travelled to our west coast by train for over a year now because of the virus. Thank you Cherrie for reminding me of many a pleasant journey and the other passengers that travel with you.

Chris

This review was written for a previous version of this writing

Posted 4 Years Ago


This comment has been deleted by the poster.
Cherrie Palmer

4 Years Ago

Somehow I knew you would enjoy and relate to this journey
A nicely soporific piece with onomatopoeia and description that allows the reader to come right inside that room with you Cherrie.

This review was written for a previous version of this writing

Posted 4 Years Ago


Cherrie Palmer

4 Years Ago

thank you John :)
certain places are meant for sleep and a boat or a train are two of my fav.. read more
John Alexander McFadyen

4 Years Ago

Yes trains are good, I always fall asleep on them!
Cherrie Palmer

4 Years Ago

I always wanted to travel on the Orient Express, but I guess I will be happy the Ark. an Mo. Railro.. read more

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25 Reviews
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Added on October 28, 2020
Last Updated on October 29, 2020

Author

Cherrie Palmer
Cherrie Palmer

Springfield , MO



About
I am a published poet and love poetry. After a lifetime of country living, I'm making a move back to town. I find my surroundings a great inspiration to me. I also have two books on Amazon Kindle: .. more..

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