Ride This Train. Poem by Michael Walker
Ride This Train.
Every minute of every day trains are on the move all over the world,
advancing like strung-out convoys of deliverance to all, stopping
at stations to allow the travellers to dance the on-again off-again shuffle.
Some travellers like the clackety-clack rhythm of the big wheels
and the guard clicking the tickets with his punching steel.
I like those sounds and rhythm on a train, suburban or intercity.
Most of all I miss the Auckland trains from New Lynn to Britomart,
sometimes standing room only as station after station parted.
Come and ride these trains with me down the track if you like.
I went on trains in England and France ending up in Le Havre,
where the singer Marvin Gaye lived for a while, happy in bars,
an expatriate at home with the French, writing songs before he left the train.
-7 August,2018.
I like Marvin Gaye's songs on DVD, and I saw a documentary about his time in Le Havre. Marvin Gaye's hits were produced by Berry Gordy of Motown.
One can be sure that you are enjoying your journeys by train- any country, any place and the bustling activity that you find on board. The poem takes the reader along a 'clackety-clack rhythm of the big wheels'. Thanks, Michael, for sharing this amazing poem.
Yes, I too preferred traveling by train as compared to other modes. It is quite convenient and has its own advantages. These days I don't go out much often but I do have interesting memories of my earlier journeys. Thanks.
Thanks Rajnish. Do you travel much on trains in India? Trains are much the same everywhere.
Every moment is just like a train that moves ahead. Travelers' get-on and get-off give views or ritual of journey in this world. Sound of time gives rhythm. Horn and sound of train in combination sweetly sing. Perceptions of journey and perceptions of train and time are beautifully presented in this poem. An amazing sharing is done here...10
Thanks for your comments Kumarmani. I have to tell you that I got the idea of writing about trains from reading your poems about them. I think everyone has a different perspective on riding on trains.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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4/26/2024 4:57:06 PM # 1.0.0.1119
Revisiting the marvelous poem of train is definitely very interesting. This poem is a master piece. Visiting England and France in train has given you amazing experience.
Thanks for your encouraging comment. I got the idea of writing about trains from you actually.