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Train Ride by A. S. Kresnak

 ...

Chicago to D.C.

We’re taking the long way,

following a locomotive

in the VIP seats.

The diesel engines don’t smoke,

or steam or puff,

they just go.


On the locomotive

there are no safety belts

on the seats.

Accidents happen.

When a train derails outside of town,

people come to see.


I don’t think about whether

we’ll make it to D.C.

I’m already planning what we’ll do

where we’ll go

what to see.

It’s not faith.


The engine goes on

and we wait,

the trembling cars

following the train.