My Morning Poem by Charles Hancock

An audible disturbance reverberated in the wee hours
Lurching out of bed, my eyes squinting and my body weary
Oh joy, the railroad is needing me on this morning dreary

Fumbling with the phone in the dark, I dropped it twice
Clearing my throat, I answered it, sounding barely alive
The caller mumbled something at oh-four-thirty-five

Shuffling to the sink to slosh cold water on my face
More cognizant now, a stout brew I must promptly make
Grips...packed, lunch...made, now time for a coffee break

Finally, I get dressed and wonder if the clunker has enough gas
My honey, Lesa, is awake and tells goodbye with a kiss
Ah serendipity! I'm on cloud nine. My life, a sweet bliss

Running late, dust is billowing and gravel is exploding from under my car
My grape pop-tart is polished off and the to-go cup of joe is nearly gone
I arrived at work and hastily parked, my excitement betrayed by a big yawn

Going in the crew room, I find my hogger is as about as animated as me
Suddenly bad news came and I watch his face as he grimaced and cussed
All I can do is smile, load back up and ramble home, this train trip...a bust