off rail

off rail

 

 

deserted train station

booths with barred windows

ticket machines in broken pieces

 

i took the train to everywhere

from this old structure

in college days

 

when i read books for nurture

spent long looks at nature

from the passenger car window

saw my reflection

 

a life i would lead in future

nature

nurture

procure a spot on that ghost ride

 

i have learned much

since that station ended

much like the classic novel

 

apropos to nothing

saved on the seat

as i detrained

 

my eyes to look back

i still have the stub

of that ticket

 

i still have that old book

with torn cover

much like the facade

i wear

 

looking out that window

and the blur of scenery

that can only slow down

 

if that old station

reinvents itself

along with my off track

imagination

 

that fell asleep

with the sound of the wheels

on rail.

 

erin-cilberto

9/27/23

Reviews

[Patricia Wedel]

I grew up with olde steam engines at Union Station in our Nation's Capital. We met our relatives from Delaware to reminisce where Rail travel was pleasant and nostalgic. Now the Station is a Concert of Musicians who play every Instrument as Ghosts that linger. I find your poetry to be pressed in Books between leaves of antiquity. softly, Pat

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Thank you for your kind visit to that station, Pat.
I would like to talk to those ghosts.
read moreThank you for your kind visit to that station, Pat.
I would like to talk to those ghosts.
j.