Railroad Ties

I wrote this after hearing the train from my front porch.

Railroad Ties

A train in the distance
Never closer
Perhaps a distress call
Better a reminder
That frozen moments need thaw
And past be left behind us
Not consigned to plague the mind
A space to store the newness
Explore the findings of today
Free from longing and confusion
Cluttered stacks of information
Or file folders neatly labeled
Impede hope of transformation
Leave our destiny disabled
Like this train in the distance
Never closer
Perhaps the track’s at fault
How often that pleases
To think some others wrong
Has brought about our grievance
Maybe if the ties were strong
And chance not left to lead us
But half a voice can’t sing a song
No outside force defeat us
For faith and choice can labor on
And hope can raise a chorus
Not unlike the sound of trains—
Getting closer.