Durango to Silverton

Is this a poem or a story? I don't know. Just my thoughts on my recent vacation with Sugarbear.

 

The shrill whistle of the steam train

Calls all passengers to their seats,

Which are little more than school

Bus seats bolted to the floor

Of the Antique boxcar.

Their senses are assaulted by the smell

Of burning embers floating through

The fresh mountain air, the clang of

Metal wheels against steel tracks

And the jostling sway of their bodies

Bouncing against their seat mates.

 

There is a sense of romance about it,

A sense of adventure to travel through

The mountains using the same method

As was used over 100 years ago and

It only takes a bit of imagination to

Hear the rustle of a crinoline dress as

A young debutante makes her way

Down the aisle, her dress sliding across

The shoulders of those in aisle seats.

A handsome conductor tips his hat

Wishing she’d favor him with just

A simple smile, but to be so forward

With a stranger would be improper,

And besides, her heart is aflutter at the

Sheer distance between her train and

The Animas River far below.

The steep cliff they are rolling over

Is enough to hold her attention

And leave her breathless.

 

Looking around the train I wonder

If the other passengers are allowing

Themselves to be sucked into romantic

Daydreams or if they are simply entranced

By the mountains and the Aspens,

If the cool, crisp air blowing through the windows

Make them pull their jackets a little closer

Or if it carries them away on daydreams

As it has me.

 

Reviews

[Bare trees]

Great piece. I don't quite see it as poetry in the normal sence as you stated in your bio, but more of a description you've captured so well. I'm kind of a train buff but not as much as my father. I liked this very much and have often thought about doing a poem on trains but have never put the pen to paper to start for fear of not getting any reads. Good job.

[Gheeneil]

The good thing about being on a journey is, besides taking delight from scenery, the mind gets to wander far and beyond. Long trips do this kind of things to me. I become so observant of just anything around me and I seem to know that fellow passengers are doing same thing. Well, when silence prevails, it is evident that we're all turning on the power of imagination to amuse ourselves. I enjoyed this, really. It reminds me of the thoughts I had whenever I'd come home.

[Big ol' Kahuna]

Beautifully done; you are so talented. What a wonderful memory, and beautiful; inside and outside the train - you inside, and those wonderful mountains and river outside.
I can't imagine on a ride that length not day dreaming some. Most of mine were of outside the train, venturing off into the wilderness on foot, experiencing that roaring river up close in personal, romantically holding and kissing next to one of the many waterfalls.
Your images of the train, the senses, and the way you go from present to the past and back again, are all fluid and seemingly effortless. Your talent for painting this moving portrait for us is wonderful; such a light and expert touch. Like a paintbrush full of color and life, so lightly and smoothly brushed across the page, leaving us all with a warm and mellow feeling.

Nicely done. I am proud of you and your abilities.

[Sean Allen]

Very nice piece, you have used movement, sights, sounds and smells to make this a beautiful journey.

Unfortunately, the thought of Durango brings back sad memories for me from more than 30 years ago.

[Anastasia Starlena]

Wow what a breathtaking piece. I have always wanted to go on a train. It 's romance and charm is so very inviting. Excellent.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

I would call it a poetic story... fabulous scene setting... I know if I were on that train I would be day dreaming myself, that is the best thing to do when surrounded by strangers... very light hearted but blissful story.

[cilla]

This is a beautifully written piece � an old train � a glimpse of a world long ago. I am one of the minority who love travelling by train � maybe in a past life I was a lovely debutante in calico and crinoline � a lace trimmed bonnet � and a shy girl smile � o my that is quite a daydream!

You've created a beautiful memory � thank you for sharing!

[Jibey]

Captures well the romance of train travel in days long past... the bouncing and jostling still happens though... and ticket collectors still hope for a smile. Charming write.

[MIA ST. PAUL]

This is truly well written and inspirational, it sounds like a wonderful vacation. Wish I was there....LOL

Great write as usual Honeypot..thanks

Mia