my train

artwork by nicolas nomikos

it’s true you know

my train has left the station

that's why my image shocks me every time

i return my own gaze in the mirror

lost chances seem to wait around dark corners

taunting and teasing

reminding me of how much self-control I used

pushing fantasies and dreams away

did they even bloom

before they withered without warning?

truth has morphed through the years

and yet, the optimist in me thinks

if the train has left the station

It was going somewhere I was not meant to be

suddenly i really do believe

it’s true you know

Reviews

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

In my old age I have truly become more self reflective. And at times am pained by the waste of potential. But I've come to understand regrets are a part of living. Especially when it comes to artistic creatives. There are many who never get recognized while living and develope notoriety after their death. A couple of my favorite writers that I admire gained somed prominence in this way. Robert E. Howard and H. P. Lovecraft having been recognized after their deaths in their 30s.

[Lydia Shutter]

Indeed, and their words live on. We all hope that will happen to us. Thanks for the review, Carlos, Lydi**

[Vertigo Cat1111]

I love the ‘train leaving the stations’ lines. The way the poem opens and ends with that adds such a cool flair and character to the poem. And I adore the ending and opening line. That’s written so well and I love how flexible it is. This poem feels like a lost sense of self, maybe even after a little bit of insanity. My train left too. We can just hang out by the train station I guess. Thank you for sharing!

[Lydia Shutter]

Yup, meet you at the train station! :) Thanks for the review. Lydi**

[willweb]

I really never had a preconceived idea of where I was going or where I hoped to end up...maybe I should do a background check on that conductor. Honestly though...my train left the station a while back, I felt it leaving and I feel it continuing on its journey every day. The good thing is...more often than not, the ride is a fun one. Yes, there are some dark days where questions come to mind but for the most part the sun shines brightly. Wow, talk about a poem making one think about life...this was one for sure.

[Lydia Shutter]

I appreciate you telling me where my words took you, Will. thanks so much. Lydi**

[Lorry]

I get a shock too, when looking out the window of a train that suddenly goes through a tunnel without warning and turns the window into a mirror from the dark side, reflecting my haggard shell back at me. I think that's why we have the term "reality bites." 😊

[Lydia Shutter]

And it bites HARD! Thanks, Lorry. Lydi**

[Lorry]

I even got a free cuppa from the trolley lady, who said I looked like I'd seen a ghost. I couldn't tell her I did... Mine! 😊

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks for the morning giggle!

[Sami Khalil]

The train has left, many stops along the way, many destinations in life, several lost opportunities 😢. Life is short, so it is hard to enjoy all it has to offer. Many other things weigh us down along the way. At least you purchased your ticket. Enjoy the rest of the journey.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, Sami. Lydi** What has happened to your icon?

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome. It disappeared. Will find another. Have a good 👍 day.

[Miss Sharon]

(if the train has left the station It was going somewhere I was not meant to be) Indeed Lydi! My thoughts exactly. ~Sharon

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks so much, Sharon. Lydi**

[Gee]

Aye, hindsight is best left for those who want inner turmoil know matter how small this be. Me, wouldn't change my past as it has me in a place where I am totally content.
Many will read and ponder your finely laid words.
Hope you are well.

[Lydia Shutter]

You always leave me such lovely reviews, Gee. Hope all is well with you too. Thanks for the review. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I know I passed by some fields of possiblities, but this poem made me reflect....
I think I am where I am supposed to be now...
at least my hope is that that is true.
this is a significant write...and as usual...a write that so many can relate to.
I line 2 of last stanza....I read it as "me."
Great work, Lydi.
j.

[Lydia Shutter]

I am pleased you could relate, Jacob. I think we are where we should be and that brings inner peace. Thanks so much. Lydi**

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

When we are young, we dream so big. We dream dreams that we don't necessarily believe will come true, but we believe that they can. We are deprived of our belief in dreams by age and the fleeting years. We don't even recognize it as it's happening. It's a subtle shift. Where once nothing could stop us, we learn that dreams are meant to die. We accept it and give up on our dreams. We settle for what we have today and learn to dream within reason, if you can even call it dreaming. Gone are the high-flying whimsical dreams that made our spirit dance. We live with the whimsy of, "If I won the lottery ..." but we don't even buy a ticket. We don't believe. We don't buy. Dreams are meant to die. We cross over into adulthood and do whatever it takes to get by, whatever it takes to pay the bills. There are no more obstacles. We have dropped out of the race. The most we can muster is words, the last breath of a dreaming heart.

[Lydia Shutter]

Linda, your review is eloquent! Yes, some dreams are meant to die and the sooner we accept that, the more peaceful our lives will be. Thank you so much. Lydi**

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Wow we must be in sync how strange we both write something of a mirror and posted at exact same second lol. How amazing is that I mean it it’s so unreal I would of posted mine a few seconds earlier but I was searching for a mirror pic. Great write by the way x

[Lydia Shutter]

We must be on the same wavelength, Julie! Going to read your newest now. Thanks for the visit. Lydi**

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

Yes loved yours it’s uncanny thanks 😊