The Engineer

When the night drifts slowly down on me

Through the windows of my speeding train,

A world of sorrows fades quick away,

Cleansing me like a tropical rain.



A hundred lives are in my control.

A thousand heartbeats warm every soul.

Iron to steel holds their fate in my hands,

To guide them safely to their plans.



As night surrounds me with endless calm,

I dare not want the stars to be gone.

For with dawn's early light comes fresh pain

In one heart I can't bring home again.



It speaks no words. They have long since flown.

Not one song of love for years were sung.

The memories of a life, all gone.

The silent heart, you see, is my own.



12/26/99

Amy Riberdy

Author's Notes/Comments: 

This was written for a friend of mine who drives for Via Rail in Canada.

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Kristine Snow's picture

I love this one. You have totally captured the feelings so wonderfully. I used to be a dispatcher for a trucking company and most truck drivers are real loners....they drive for a reason - no human contact. I get the same feelings from this poem. BUT the Engineer also says he holds their fate in his hands. So does he really want to be alone? This was very well written! Thank you.

Kris

Karyn Indursky's picture

I like this piece. It's mysterious and yet detailed with images that go deeper than the surfaces.

Jere''s picture

The power of this poem really got to me. It is exquisitely written.

Butch Lesley's picture

WOW...makes me glad I didn't get that railroad job

Roz Turner's picture

Hi Amy Hmm, very haunting piece. I liked this one alot too! Keep up the good writing. :) Cya Roz

Richard Elliott's picture

I really liked this piece (as with all your works). It has a haunting yet cleansing quality about it and sounds like the swift and cool delivery of an engine to its destination.

Rachelle Wiegand's picture

This poem gave me chills. I haven't read any of your other work, but I am going to now!