Running the Railroad

This isn't one of my best poems, I'll say that right here, but please be kind and don't leave any mean comments. This poem was written for a boy who died in my community yesterday afternoon. He ran across the railroad tracks and was hit by a train, maybe even two, it's not for sure right now. One was an Amtrak, and the other was a freight train. He was 16, a junior at my school, someone I never really got to know, and I regret that. My community is small, around 5,000 people (which is two towns combine). My community has experienced multiple tragedies in the past few years. There's been a suicide, an accident killing two, the death of someone with a brain problem, a fire killing 4, a student diagnosed with cancer, and now this. It's hard on a small community like this. These things aren't supposed to happen here.

"I carry the things that remind me of you, in loving memory of the one that was so true. You were as kind as you could be."~  In Loving Memory, Alter Bridge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVET9aL9khc

"You said yourself before , "Where are you?". I'm needing you much more, I bet you never knew . And now everything, is gonna fall apart. I need you here not just in my heart. This wasn't how it's supposed to be [In loving memory] And now I'm torn with misery [In loving memory]  I won't forget you please don't me [In loving memory] This wasn't how it's supposed to be  [In loving memory]" ~In Loving Memory, Jamestown Story http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSWO1CV4_Xs

What went through your mind,
as your crossed those tracks?
Did you even consider,
all of the facts?

Running the railroad,
sprinting across.
One false move,
and now it's a loss.

Did you see that train,
coming towards your way?
Couldn't you hear the bells,
telling you to go away?

Only a junior,
such a kind boy.
Ripped from our grasp,
released from the clasp.

That speedy Amtrak,
 couldn't slow down.
Just some passengers,
traveling through our small town.

Our community torn,
broken by tragedies.
So many are gone,
lost with the breeze.

We question your intentions,
we wonder why you ran.
Did you not see one coming?
Or was something else your plan?

This small community,
of only few thousands,
can't take any more.
Losing someone,
by the seconds.

Did you know it was over?
Or were you surprised?
Did you wonder who'd miss you?
How much did you think, and of who?

A silly game,
like when you were a kid.
Would you've made it across,
but that time you slid?

I never knew you,
but I wish that I had.
Now that you're gone,
I have no chance,
to ask for a dance.

What were you thinking,
running across the railroad?
Now you're far gone,
your voice only echoed.









    




R.I.P Eric. We miss you terribly.

Author's Note

All pictures were taken from various news websites. Please be considerate and realize I know most of the people in the pictures, and keep rude comments to yourselves. The last picture is of Eric, the boy who died.

Reviews

[Alicia Hirshey]

This is a lovely tribute. We talked about this last night and you seemed so determined, that you wanted to know who he was, that you wished you took the time. I am sure he is thanking you for this and so is his family.

[Spiral Panda]

I knew you could find a way to write about this, it just took time and moments alone to heal last night.

[Helpless]

such feeling creating unimaginable beauty of expression! well done!

[CharlesMonroe]

Omg ): thats so sad...I'm so sorry. I wish I could help. I wish I could've met him :/ the poem is amazing, beautiful, a very lovley memoir to him. :/
R.I.P. Eric ):

[Jess Holden]

This is amazing

[Kesha]

This really ripped my heart out, The emotions here ran deep, i dont know him but its really sad that this happened, and your poems was really good.

[brenda]

thts sad you r poem is really good me to i wonder wht led him to cause great pain in heart o f others even though i dont know him but i get sad when something like this happens