A Death Train
(This takes you back to World War One
when the black plague entered the
country killing more men then war)
The railroad has taken those
from crowded streets, away
from blood drying – closer, to
yellow roses in a cluttered
field of holes in earth without
marble.
The railroad, has taken those
from crowded streets crossing empty
land passing bare stalks where corn
once grew – crossing
towns and cities without light.
The railroad once served crowds
spending high above their means,
and now dark corners in life –
night – all are the same.
Breathing not,
one on top of one,
a petticoat of lace –
one on top of one
carried home to a hollow
grave.
Laughter had filled midnight air
no one cared where you lived or
the color of your skin. Alive –
Freedom – home again.
On crowded streets at midnight
voices cheered, and glasses touched,
smoke crossed in front of eyes, music
played – at each and every table –
red wine flowed: Then blood is viewed
on tender pink lips.
Voices once not long ago a sound of
hope – but merely a taste of tomorrow’s
dawn.
Railroad cars crowded with
bodies, one on top of one –
their last ride – to a simple place
of dirt and stone.
And, the war was over – but
a battle had begun, found freedom
first – then died –
one after one
soldiers who expected life
to return – back home – instead
safe soil carried death
one after one
after
World War I.
