This Train
I hear that slow freight train
rumbling in the night
destination certain as the rails
engine: inevitability
its whistle my marrow scream.
The train runs from Colorado to California
Mexico Washington Idaho
This train's runnin' in the dark
this train's runnin' late
slowed by the heavy freight
above the rods of time past.
This train carries Ireland dreaming,
the round sun of Spain rides this train.
These wheels drive sparks like stars:
no fire no warmth cold night.
This train eats its track
this train carries eyes of hopeless love
closets full of useless clothes
bodies packed with muted souls
this train carries whores of gossamer
imaginary lovers of steel
this train carries phantoms to ultimate
unraveling
this train carries dreams denied
cars of my needs bones bleached and broken.
The train dreams itself
This train runs one way only
This train this train
this train
goes nowhere, really.