I suppose that I missed the train by a few minutes

It likely had already flung itself into interstate cruising speed

When I parked the Buick at the end of the row

 

I walked the interchange of rail and street

Hoping to feel the train’s last evidence beneath my feet

Cursing myself while staring at raised crossbars

 

Some passengers were sleeping I’m sure

Dreaming of the journey they were on

Misremembering the Wichita skyline

 

Others would have been tense and restless

Annoyed that catching a cross country train at night

Means sitting where you can, not where you want

 

I knew she was still awake though

Wondering when I would forgive

Her parting words, ‘For better or for worse’

 

 

© Gayle Force Press 2007

 

 

• Poetry