The Train Poem by Eugene Levich

I knew the train's destination
But not my own—
A passenger—
I knew where the tracks headed—
But can any person know his own destination?
I don't think so

She came down the aisle carrying a suitcase
I rose without thinking
Took it from her hand
And placed it in the rack above my seat
She had no choice but to sit next to me,
Near the window

I hadn't planned it
That way
It just happened
For a few moments I glanced at a book
Not knowing what to say
Then, miraculously, we spoke
And my life began

The train sprouted wings
And flew
From Washington to Manhattan
In five seconds,
Or so it seemed.

I've held her close ever since,
Almost six decades,
Always in my heart
If not, for long, in my arms.

That train
Took me to unforeseen places:
First the heavenly resort of "Adoration"—
For six glorious months—
Next the Hell-town of "Heartbreak"—
I spent years there—

And, finally,
The retirement community of
"Treasured Memories
And Loving Friendship"—
And there I shall remain always—
For there is where our train finally rested.