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| Waiting for the train to pass, Neshannock Falls, 1934. Cecil Hall photo |
Help me, great grandfather,
to wait for what's coming,
to lie down in the garden
and sleep in the sun.
Lead me, old-timer,
to sit near the hearth,
rocking in silence,
wicks turned down low,
Firelight on cheekbones,
lost sons and lost daughters,
the mantel clock counting,
help me, Will Hall,
Checking your watch
behind the house
where the rails used to be,
waiting for the coal train to pass,
Black smoke for the grade,
The Engineer in the cab,
his elbow and kerchief,
passing on time.
The house is still standing,
I am there waiting,
waiting with ghosts
for the ghost train.
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Neshannock Falls, 1917. Cecil Hall photo |
