A Train Journey

 

I relaxed into my seat

homeward bound to dinner and bed

The train shuddered forward

gaining speed into the advancing night

Day was spent and night was present

the carriage window reflected all within

Without we saw an array of scenes

the backs of houses some dimly lit

with families at table or in a kitchen

Trees silhouetted against the sky

with roof tops conspiring a sinister ploy

Silent observers of a darkened world

we sped  onward into the gloom

Fast through stations with blurred vision

to be surprised as another train raced by

going the other way with horns sounding 

as heralds or bats in the night

Yet forward and on as some dozed and others read

in the compartment of a moving stage

over and under bridges we flew

beams of light of distant traffic scoured the night

all unrelated, disconnected and odd

Until we began to slow down as our destination 

was in sight

Then homeward bound a brisk walk through the dark

to dinner, to bed and then to a world 

far removed from all reality