Times have changed

At one time, where we lived,

morning commuters stood on 

long wooden platforms,

patiently waiting and watching for

a dark blue train with wicker seats.

The light posts

that rose above the shoulders

of the metal railing

were a smudgy light green color

that looked like shower heads.

Earlier models resembled hooks.

When the train finally rolled up

and people took their seats,

that's when the cacophonous sound of

unfolding newspapers filled the car. 

But that's in the past.

I'm a ghost now

who sees a different world.

The days when men wore suits

and donned hats are long gone.

People were friendly and respectful.

They mentioned their children's birthdays

talked politics, or sat quietly

reading the sports section.

These days, the devil is loose.

Metal platform railings hold graffitti.

Newspapers are replaced by gadgets,

and the amount of mentally ill people

roaming around from time to time 

is starting to increase.

Call me old-fashioned,

but those old trains

and wooden platforms...

I liked them a lot better.

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

poignant ... rock solid social commentary .. especially how we have corrupted our souls ... and so easily accept this "new age" ... i love the nostalgia you express ... and to your "Note" .. if we kept these kinds of thoughts in our imaginations we will most certainly heal those souls ... one moment to the next .. and perhaps ... just perhaps the flood of darkness will be driven back to where it came from ... so much crap these days :(
E.
ps. the pic really brings that past to life for me :)

[Relic]

Thanks so much for your comment, Einstein.

[andrew mitchell]

The days of old compared to the days of now, both had their good points. A descriptive write and great photo to match Tim.

[Relic]

Thanks andrew. :)

[andrew mitchell]

Love old steam trains too as well as old stations.

[Relic]

My father loved them.