The American Nomad
~~~
I hear the train whistle blowing
Steel wheels sing clickety-clack
The music of tanker and box car
A symphony of timber and track
~~~
It calls for me to travel on
Of the miles ahead there be many
I gather up my bindlestiff
Throw on my cap and Benny
~~~
She pulls a herd of Blackjacks but
An empty freight car is all I need
The travelling home for a hobo
Pulled hard by the steaming steed
~~~
With a belly full of rock soup
There are adventures to be had
And such is the wandering life
Of the great American nomad
~~~
i love this poem and always enjoy stories of this very special group of people. i’m sure i’m romanticizing it a bit in my mind, but something about their unfettered freedom
Such a unique sub-culture. Thanks Beth!
Yes
I really enjoyed the flow and the lightheartedness of this one! You truly are a master of poetry, my friend!
Thanks K!
A great rhyming poem with a story of long lost hobos and rambling men…loved it my friend!
Thank you brother!
You’re very welcome my brother!
I’m not even a country music fan, but my mind immediately went to Johnny Cash.
I hear the train a comin’, it’s rolling round the bend
And I ain’t see the sunshine since I don’t know when…
I thought the same thing about Johnny Cash as soon as I read the first line. There is something romantic about riding the lines, but I’m wondering if the reality was different…
It is a unique sub-culture of those times. I learned a lot I didn’t know doing dome research for this piece. They had their own language, rules of conduct, and a penchant for living free. Thanks, Jim!
it is so enjoyable when we learn something new and unexpected as part of the blogging process!
So true, Jim! I have learned so much here.
as have I…
Thanks Pete!
I too thought of the song by Johnny Cash. I remember when I was young reading occasionally in the newspaper about someone who was run over by the train trying to catch a car or someone that got their leg cut off because they made the jump when they were indulging. I wonder what that life was like. I love the way you describe it in your poem, I can just see them getting ready to jump. Hope the weather is nice for you, we have had hot weather here. Sending love and hugs to you Brad, love Joni xoxoxo
Thanks Joni!
You are welcome Brad. ❤️Jonikins
This one has great rhythm
Thanks little one!
This is unique, I haven’t seen much poetry on WordPress.
Thank you! There is a ton on here if you look for it.