on the other track

artwork by pinkbunnylilli

traveling through the tunnel

i listen to the train

metal wheels going 

clackety,  clickety, clack

graffitied walls 

making no sense 

we speed by

i close my eyes 

feeling the vibration

my mind wanders

seeing rainbow flavored candies

dance before my eyes

my body sways with the movement

of the train

i hear bits and pieces of conversation

trying to compose a poem 

borrowing words that spark my interest

braiding them into what might be okay

my mind goes into overdrive

then rewinds, pauses, continues

willing my poem into existence

all the while certain

my destination 

exists somewhere on the other track

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello dear Lydia.
"i hear bits and pieces of conversation
trying to compose a poem
borrowing words that spark my interest"
I loved the complete poem. I am always listening, seeking new words, new emotions. I liked the above lines and thank you dear friend for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Lydia Shutter]

Often a word we hear in passing can spark an entire poem. Thanks for understanding, John. Lydi**

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree dear Lydia and you are welcome my dear friend.

[Ken Simm.]

The tap of the tracks follows this poem of enlightment Lydi. Full of atmosphere and strange lighting. I love it.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, Ken. Lydi**

[emmajoy]

Loving train travel as I do.. eg. travelling from N. France to Milan, Italy - wonderful... I so feel the heart of your words, Lydi. Perhaps riding a train, experiencing those facts you so finely enclose is rather how we travel through life.. distractions here and there, focus varying.. one thing overwhelming the minute ago then diving headfirst into another emotion or experience. You, dear lady-friend, have taken that journey, and, somehow transferred the where one is.. to.. where one might.. could.. be, given the chance!! And yes, the destination might exist on the other track - but till the two are taken.. experienced.. who's to know! You really do set the mind in motion.. tis that swaying that does it!

[Lydia Shutter]

Yes, the swaying of the train is mesmerizing and puts the passenger almost in a trance like state. I remember train rides in Europe. Eurorail was great. Thanks so much, Emma. I appreciate the review. I hope all is well with you. Lydi**

[emmajoy]

Waving across space to wish you and your family a happy celebration. Take care, keep safe - always. M

[Lydia Shutter]

Back at ya, Emma.

[Einstein Noodle]

how interesting Lydi!! love the turn in closing ... and the ride .. i hopped a freight train (long time ago) and rode it for three days and two nights .. had I considered my destination might be on the "other" track .. i may have been riding them still. ;) the pic grabs me .. you poem held me .. the poetess squeezing her poems into existence with senses sparked ... the sights, sounds and motion you capture are ... well captivating says i! love those trains!
E.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, E. So you were the hobo hopping on the empty cars, were you? I shoulda known! :) I always appreciate your colorful reviews. Lydi**

[Einstein Noodle]

:) ..................................yep. tho the car wasn't empty .. another story in that. ;)

[Lydia Shutter]

Well, you know I NEED to know the rest of that story! LOL

[lightsong]

I can imagine and feel this my friend, I kind of have been there too, inspiration can come in strange ways, sometimes in complete stillness and sometimes in loud noises, love the ambiance of this one thank You for sharing and may your ink keep flowing~

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, lighsong. I appreciate your review. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, the poem is often on the opposite track from where I am riding.
I love this piece...the mood of it, the sound of it...
and for me the soundtrack would be "poem on an underground wall" by S&G.

j.

[Lydia Shutter]

All of S&G's lyrics are poetic in and of themselves really! Thanks so much, Jacob. Lydi**

[John the Baptist]

Creativity is a strange thing. We can commit hours to working alone in a private room and nothing will come to us. Alternatively, we can be involved in another activity altogether, and words and images will come to us spontaneously. Perhaps I should take more train rides.

[Lydia Shutter]

There is something magical about a train. Thanks for the review, John. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Lydi**, many is the time I have taken the train to the west country to visit my mum. A two hour journey, so plenty of time to pen poems and I have certainly tried. However, it is so easy to become distracted. Your poem reminded me very much of the frustrations of trying to concentrate when there are so many other things going on. Lovely coastal scenery flashing by, the chatter of other passengers, the mesmerising sounds of train on track, ticket collectors, phone calls :) Do I finish any poems? No, but I usually manage a couple of drafts :) Thank you for taking me on your journey. I enjoyed the ride.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

Glad you could relate, Chris. You have described precisely what I was saying. I appreciate that so much. Lydi**

[mattavelli]

Hello, Lydia! :)
This was a fun read, all the sights and sounds moving with the train. Then you hit rewind, and it reminded me of the dark tunnels the train would speed through when I'd ride it in and out of the city growing up. Thanks for sharing.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Mattavelli. I appreciate your review. Lydi**