trained ride

© “Almost Downtown Chicago”, by H. Walker

Despite the way its
marketed, some pitches
will not sell

Hm: a grandson
married, giving away
money earned
convincing
the majority to parlay
real-life drawings
(larger, methodical)
for others to use
compelling dreams
against blind faith
businesses overlooking
the passenger and freight rails

reward the ones who accept this guidance

come early, stay late traits
leaving lasting markings that
even the rust of time recognizes

a hybrid can shine
when it breaks out on its own,
pride sounds important where
progress comes despite winter
(changes happening; bridges, critiques)

We are strangers conversing,
our interests beyond different
but we both remember talk of
the aurora borealis’ appearance
over Michigan and
corporate settlement talks and
strained timelines to withdraw
after whatever happened there…

What remains
among those missing
are both our memories,
our passenger tickets
pushed down in pockets
as this train barrels through
the southeast side towards
Union Station

flights have been cancelled

relatives are stranded across oceans

and we purposely don’t mention how scared we are

We, strangers on this train,
are anxious, we have just one
effect to show without angst
but the stories we will tell later
without names, will affect
future rides…