I Amongst the sleepers, Framed by smoke-charred bricks, An engine trudges in- Diesel-tanks toll the bell, Bringing an end to an era Amid tearful memories Of days gone by II A journey awaits A journey from which the engine Is guaranteed not to return; Though valiant deeds And a life of service Will not go untold- These cannot count, These cannot save it- For in this war, Age will always win. III One last departure, One last passenger, The road to the scrap-yard Unfolds in front; Nothing can end this, For nothing should As even though it's not fair, "Life's not fair" is what is said. IV As the journey shortens, The engine keeps going To its final destination; The mountains and trees, Birds bushes and clouds Create a peaceful atmosphere Amid one of despair. V The end is finally reached And two friends depart; bid each other goodbye Sad farewells and many memories; there is a price to pay for progress and "better things." VI There will be other trains To serve the company proudly Memories to be had Passengers to be carried; Friends will be made And a life of service Will be offered, Even though all of this is good, And the train perfect There will always be progress And the final journey. VII As the instruments are removed- Everything salvaged The scrap-heap is imminent; A silent funeral For a loyal friend Who will never be forgotten. VIII Amongst the sleepers Framed by smoke-charred bricks; A lifetime of memories lingers on- Memories of a loyal friend And its dedication and service In days gone by. Tomás O Drisceoil 24 August 2001
Reason for writing:
I don't really know what inspired this. It's just a description of a particular element of life, I guess. It deals, in my opinion, with the rapid movement of time, and backs the old quote: "Time waits for no man." The engine is just a metaphor for all the things that must go in life, due to the progress of time, but that are never truly forgotten. There are many other themes to it. What do you think?
Birth sign: Capricorn
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