The Train Ride

The Train Ride

 

The time had come,
she was to leave behind
the world she knew,
to set out to find a new life.

 

A part of her was ready,
the other part scared her outright.

Still, she’d pressed ahead,
and now finds herself taking in the sights.

 

The sights skirted across the window
where she sits stiffly on a train.

The sounds of the locomotive itself
were new to her, that it was her first time, was plain.

 

She certainly feels plain,
as the other passengers seemed to sport their best.

She keeps her head down
while her eyes fix on her plain blue dress.

 

Her mind hopes she’s doing the right thing,
while her heart knows this is what she needs.

Yes, it’s time to make a change--
to go in Godspeed.

 

She had looked out the window from whence she’d come,
as a final farewell to the only home she’s known.

Now, she looks straight ahead,
there is no going back, she’s now her own.

 

Breathing in through her mouth, then slowly exhaling,
she became one with the train.

She’s doing this--
she’s on her way.

 

Now, looking out the window
she spies rolling hills and grassy plains.

Suddenly, she’s thrilled
by the adventure she had decided to take.

 

Finding herself sitting taller now,
she makes eye contact with a few passengers.

To her surprise, they smile at her,
which caused her on to emerge.

 

Fingering the cross which hung about her neck,
she knows her faith will see her through.

For there’s Someone looking over her--

Someone who is always true.

 

She’s doing this--
she’s on her way.

The picturesque scene
is calling her name.

 

The sun began its slow, but ambitious descent,
leaving a purple, then orange tint in the open sky.

Beauty sweeping her senses as she enjoys

the train ride to the rest of her life.

 

Melinda McQueen Rodgers

August 7, 2021

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

A amazing poem dear Melinda.
"Beauty sweeping her senses as she enjoys
the train ride to the rest of her life."
The above lines. A perfect ending my dear friend.
Coyote

[Melinda McQueen]

Thanks for reading my poem. Much appreciated.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Melinda.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Melinda... A lovely rendition of your Trip...
It is difficult to venture away from home.
Being an Author will always give you a sense of
exploring new places and customs. I am always
amazed when Strangers smile at me... as I realize
we are all on a Journey. truly, Pat

[Melinda McQueen]

Thanks for reading and taking time to review. I appreciate you.

[Einstein Noodle]

your title hooked me, Ms. McQueen! who does not love trains and train rides? ;) the form seems to be fluid ... prose to short story to rhyming a bit ... i kind of want to read about her as a short story ... more background, details ... maybe where she's headed ... or not ... I love how she sits so timidly watching out the window ... the pic leads me to see her alone on the seat with only a few others in the car .. i think it fits as we are taken on the real ride in this .. in her mind and feelings .. there is more "telling" than "showing" which can miss out on opportunity to add dimension ... i have to ask .. did the pic inspire the writing or the other way around?? they work really well .. for me anyway .. brave young lass .. striking out into unknown territory ... haven't we all just been there?!! solid title, great story, could use more "showing", in my opinion .. love the connection between the pic and the write .. but mostly between her and the train ..
E.

[Melinda McQueen]

While I was writing, I felt as though i was starting a new book. Maybe someday. Right now I'm working on a poetry book to be published in late December. Then,i have another book in mind. I wrote this poem then found the picture. It was perfect. Thanks for reading and taking time to review. I appreciate you.

[Einstein Noodle]

and i you McQueen .. big congrats on the book!!! wonderful good fortune to you my friend
E.

[Chris Shaw]

Takes courage to leave your comfort zone and venture into new territory. It's a huge leap but one well worth taking. It's an adventure and I am thinking nothing ventured, nothing gained. Nicely penned Melinda.

Chris

[Melinda McQueen]

I must agree. Sometimes life demands you to step out of your comfort zone or you will never get anywhere. I did so three years ago when I moved out to marry my husband. I didn't like hurtling my parents but it was time. It was hard for them because they took care of me for 39 years. But in the end, it was the right thing. My mother suddenly passed away about 4 month later. Thanks for reading and taking time to review. I appreciate you.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes, it was time for you to fly but so sad that your mother passed away not long after. I hope you are very happy in your new nest Melinda.

[Melinda McQueen]

I am. Thank you. I miss my mom, of course.

[Chris Shaw]

Of course, that goes without saying. Sorry for your loss.