Train Tracks
The train tracks stretch for miles
Steel and stone making the way
Along the rowed and timbered ties
Where nothing can grow today
Longs scars that were built by hand
And the beauty that they lack
Press upon the emerald growth
And nature cannot fight back
Tunneled through vast swaths of trees
The grayed and barren replete
But as mighty as you think you are
Without color you’re incomplete
So, I have brought just a small gift
A gift of something that grows
Here upon your metal street
I lay a single rose
commonsensiblyspeaking 
Heart-touching!
Thanks, sis!
I like it, but I don’t want the rose to get crusher by the train
Maybe fate holds a cold winter wind that blows it down the siding before the train comes…
Or maybe it gets crushed like everything else
Everything dies sometime. At least the train will make it fast!
I will keep that in mind
Better yet, now that it has been cut from its loving home, it wants to die and crawled onto the tracks…
I can do relate. Especially when cold
This is a beautiful thought placed so perfectly in a great poem. The thought of beauty, organic, alive and natural, bringing a sense of completion to something metallic, ferrous, man-made, static, is just brilliant! Great work my friend! One of your finest, and that is saying a lot!
Thank you, Francisco! I rarely write from prompts, but when I saw this photo I immediately thought to myself “How does a rose get there?” The rest came easy.
It’s a great poem Brad, beautiful.
I was thinking this seemed like a rare case of where the photo came before one of your poems. Wonderful job creating a story out of such a striking photo…
Thanks, Jim!
Very nice…
Thank you kindly!
Can I reblog your post ?
You can feel free to reblog any of my content and I appreciate that you think it is worthy to be shared!
Your writings are awesome…
Thank you!
Brad this is beautiful, what an amazing piece about the life of the railroad.
So many lines I love in this piece Brad. However the ending is just so perfect. Such a romantic you are, I can tell, with your words. This picture had to have been taken by you as we seldom find something so perfect to match our words.
I am fascinated by the history of the railroad and this is such a sweet and bitter piece that sums up a lot of history of the construction of those “metal street.” Great stuff Brad! Sending love and a big hug. Jonikins
Thank you, Jonikins! The photo led to them poem, but I did not take it. Warm wishes and butterfly kisses!
You are the second person to ever send me a butterfly kiss. Thank you Brad. Love Jonikins 🌸💕🌺
The train no longer runs through our city, but the tracks remain. It is one of my favorite places to walk and reflect.
They are perfect for a nice walk and some reflection. Thanks Pete!
This is beautiful. You always manage to steal my breath with your beautiful words. ❤
Awww, you are so sweet, K! Love you guys!
Love you too!
Gorgeous 🌹
Thank you!