All Aboard

We do not ride on the railroad; it rides upon us. - Thoreau

Unknowingly burdened with indifference.

Sifting through empty pockets of holes and lint.

Elusive, exact fare.

Impotent souls climb aboard, choosing a seat.

Sometimes the seat choosing them.

They fidget in uncomfortability, settle into nonchalance and commence to staring out the window.

Blank, desperate gazes void of feeling.

Things they've seen a hundred times.

Things they'll see a hundred times more.

Through dirty glass.

Smeared by tepid breaths and apathetic fingerprints.

Watching the world go by.

Murmuring stale life.

Chewing flavorless gum.

Drinking lukewarm coffee to try and feel alive.

No one waves goodbye.

They'll get up tomorrow and do it all over again.

Crying and probing on the inside.

One more time.

One more ride ...

Author's Note

I would rather ride on earth in an ox cart, with a free circulation, than go to heaven in the fancy car of an excursion train and breathe a malaria all the way. - Thoreau

Reviews

[Ruth]

The blankness and repetition of such travel can numb the mind but can also open the senses to many a epiphany along the journey's way. You have a brilliant talent for descriptions Pete, I always enjoy a walk through the worlds you paint with such poignancy :)

[Pete]

was noticing people riding buses and trains recently. they all seem so preoccupied with other things - even though they're physically there, they're somewhere else. thanks for sharing thoughts ruth - your visits are always appreciated ... :)

[Ruth]

My pleasure Pete :)

[C. M. Miller]

Ugh. What a magnificent piece of dreariness! Their bodies are in their seats, but their souls are still at the station, perhaps begging for a different destination. This reminds me of a hamster in its cage, feeling very productive running that wheel, and going absolutely nowhere.

[Pete]

nowhere indeed. alive on the outside but dead on the inside - not a good way to travel. thank you for sharing thoughts c.m. appreciated ... :)

[Phill Oz O'fee]

Very thought-provoking write... makes me wonder if I'm sitting on a stationary train and the 'world' is speeding past... great wordplay and stanza structure ... nice one friend!

[Pete]

i like your thought - i often think that we like to ride and look out the window as if we're spectators and not participants in life. we are free of our burdens and problems. the ticket buys us more than a ride - a temporary escape. someone else is in control. thank you for sharing ... :)