I read this poem before, Paul, and it stuck me then as being a masterpiece of observation - each person on the platform with a whole life, a whole poem to offer in their own right. If only you could write them all - what a project that would be!
Yes, I posted this before. I wanted it to speak to what the poet saw from their end of the platform, observations, thoughts, while being among those coming and going. Everybody has a story, most people have several, and all people have at least one poem! Thanks for reading again, Martin.
Thank you, Sue. Passenger trains passed through my town many years ago, when I was a child. Now the station is still here but only cargo trains passed through through now.
I was only about seven when one of my cousins traveled by train for a mission. Steam locomotives then with the huge, rumbling black engines. Then a high school friend traveled to meet her husband for a move to Guam on a diesel train. Times are changing.
I liked the picture you used. Is it AI? It's really evocative for your poem.
I love trains and lived in Palmer Lake CO, the cargo and coal trains heading north and south, whistled through, every day 24/7, fairly slowly, dinging in the midnight, I didn’t mind there’s something nostalgic in my bones from my hillbilly family, those West Virginia mountains and my coal mining grandpa, Missy G a coal miners granddaughter.
Oh yeah, and I jumped a train while living in Ashland Oregon and attending Southern Oregon State College, that’s where Medford showed up on my radar. I will tell you my story later. Have yourself a spectacular day.
Here's where I am with my Suno AI songs (you're a prominent artist - it's a great pleasure to put your wonderful poems to music with this AI tool (and I always make sure the artists get top billing in the title, as well as a few of my own).
I read this poem before, Paul, and it stuck me then as being a masterpiece of observation - each person on the platform with a whole life, a whole poem to offer in their own right. If only you could write them all - what a project that would be!
Yes, I posted this before. I wanted it to speak to what the poet saw from their end of the platform, observations, thoughts, while being among those coming and going. Everybody has a story, most people have several, and all people have at least one poem! Thanks for reading again, Martin.
Terrific poem, Paul. So worth reading again!
I agree with everything Martin said, first rate stuff Paul.
As a retired train conductor, this certainly resonates. You paint a great picture.
I take that as high praise, Ken! 😊
Love rail stations, great poem really captures the atmosphere 👍🏻🚂
I visited the UK years ago and I loved the rail stations, Deni. Thank you!
Glad you reposted this for us to discover - beautifully written.
You’re welcome, B. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I love this poem. Everything you see and everything you hear ends up in a beautiful story or poem for all of us to enjoy.
This is a dandy, Paul! Almost a sense of urgency as your words hasten to the final conclusion. Prophetic!
Thank you, Gary. I was trying to build a bit of movement toward the end, like a train slowly leaving the station.
Success, Paul!
Magnificent! PAUL, such a lovely poem! I love how you captured the ambiance and the descriptions of your characters.
Thank you, Yolanda. I tried to think of the kinds of people I saw at train stations.
What a gem! You've caught the bounty of life that feeds a writer's pen. Bravo!
Thank you, Sue. Passenger trains passed through my town many years ago, when I was a child. Now the station is still here but only cargo trains passed through through now.
I was only about seven when one of my cousins traveled by train for a mission. Steam locomotives then with the huge, rumbling black engines. Then a high school friend traveled to meet her husband for a move to Guam on a diesel train. Times are changing.
I liked the picture you used. Is it AI? It's really evocative for your poem.
The image is AI generated, Sue
I love trains and lived in Palmer Lake CO, the cargo and coal trains heading north and south, whistled through, every day 24/7, fairly slowly, dinging in the midnight, I didn’t mind there’s something nostalgic in my bones from my hillbilly family, those West Virginia mountains and my coal mining grandpa, Missy G a coal miners granddaughter.
I frequently hear the cargo train air horn at 4:15am or so each morning.
The platform in the illustration is similar to the old train station platform in my hometown (no longer in use).
Oh yeah, and I jumped a train while living in Ashland Oregon and attending Southern Oregon State College, that’s where Medford showed up on my radar. I will tell you my story later. Have yourself a spectacular day.
I’ll take a photo of the train station, minus platform, here in town, it will be my first!
Love how you captured all of this!
Thank you, Jane.
What sublime writing! Fantastic!
Thank you, Michael, for reading and commenting.
Like Martin, I also remember this poem. I love trains and its rhythm and rhyme, and how it flows so easily when read aloud. Just fantastic. 🩵
Thank you for reading again, Grace!
Nice
Thank you, Susan!
Exquisite, Paul. Enchanted!
Thank you for reading and commenting, Richard!
You bring back so many memories, Paul. A lovely nostalgic piece.
Thank you, Rea!
Paul, wow!
Thanks for reading and commenting, Mo—Wow!
Great poem and illustration!
Hey, Doug, thanks for stopping by. The illustration is AI generated. I might have used Substack’s engine—I can’t remember.
How is your music coming along? If you ever see anything of mine worth setting to music, feel free. 😊
Here's where I am with my Suno AI songs (you're a prominent artist - it's a great pleasure to put your wonderful poems to music with this AI tool (and I always make sure the artists get top billing in the title, as well as a few of my own).
https://liveyosemite.wordpress.com/2025/06/10/sunoai-songs/
I’ll give them a listen, Doug—thanks for sharing them!