Heads or Tails

I put my ear to the rail

Listening for the train coming down the track

I couldn't hear the rumble yet

But I knew it would be coming back

With the great engine pulling

And the caboose taking up the rear

The locomotive whistle blowing

Was the sound I waited to hear

I scanned the trees behind me

The place from which they might come

Filthy and begging for change

A hobo or a bum

The coast was clear so I took a break

And sat on an old rusty pail

But then I heard choo choo

And took a step over the rail

I flipped my silver dollar in the air

The one I planned to squash for good luck

I laid it heads down on the cold steel

Then went to move but my foot was stuck

Terror overwhelmed me

As I beheld the monster coming fast

But I could not free myself

It seemed my chance at luck had passed

Then I felt an arm wrap around my waist

And a hand grasped my leg

Then I looked up into transient eyes

And to God I began to beg

He lifted me up and yanked on my foot

And with a last effort he wrenched me free

A dirty old hobo as the train steamed past

But an angel was all I could see

He picked me up and brushed me off

And turned to walk away

"Excuse me sir...please don't go

Was all that I could say

I extended my hand to give him my coin

And he took it and said if I may

He handed it back and said I buy your promise

To never forget what you learned here today