I pump the pedals of my bicycle
along the paved trail
where once were train tracks
Sunshine gleaming through trees
and the wind at my neck
I have spent miles and miles here
But today I hear those locomotive engines
and the words from the train conductor
at the helm of his mighty craft:
“Sometimes it get lonely out here
so I seek the solace of my position.
For I am not really alone.
I see the backs of these shops and houses
I see the side that is hidden away from view.
I get a glimpse of the back door, the fruit trees
ready to bear their tropical seeds, mothers and daughters
hanging clothes on the line to dry in the sunshine.
I see men tending to gardens
and boys playing chase.
When they hear the horn in the distance
sometimes they crawl outta their sheds.
Some of them pay no mind.
Some of them wave and smile and go on about their business.
But some of them got no smile on their face.
They want to jump right on the train
and go far far away.
Those are the ones that show me their soul.
And all I can do is leave a billow of coal smoke
to remind them of hope.”
And that is what the train conductor say.
I pedal and pedal
along these old tracks
feeling the cool wind
and the heat of yesterday
Photo courtesy of me: JeniferBPhotography
Busted Flip Flops 