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
Comments
Awesome. Nice message of unexpected kindness and not judging a book by its cover. Voted up!
I like the ending twist. Humbling. sharing with followers.
wow, what a great read, and truly interesting Wayne. I loved that you placed a message in the story. so, it gave it more interest. nice work. voted up.
I. White
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Thank you very much dear daughter : )
What a great story and message. Well done, Wayne! Loved it!
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Thank you, Don...for the compliment and the share!
The whole poem draws you in....but the ending is just a killer (sorry for the obvious)
Great work!
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There you very much, Isaac
The end is just awesome. Thanks for sharing this one. Shared and votes way up.
I especially liked the ending of your poem. As Billy said what a great message.
What a wonderful message, Wayne. I'm wondering if the hobo was Jesus in disguise?
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Thank you very much, Sir William. I'm just warming up for the contest! : )
Hi Wayne... what a great message and it took me back to the days when I used to squash coins as well. Monstrous steam engines came through our town. Great memories.
Last year I was fishing in an isolated area and had to hike over a rail bed to get to the lake. I played a kid all over again and flattened all the coins I had in my pocket... smiles.
Hugs and Blessings
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Hi, Jennifer. Thank you so much for the visit
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Thank you, Deergha, for the compliment and the support!
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Thank you, Susan!
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Thank you, Sharon. actually I just see the hobo as a regular guy who luckily for the kid, has a good character. Of course, there are still the bad apples that you have to be on guard for, but we have to avoid stereotyping all because of a few.
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Thanks, Rolly. I have many of those memories as well...and have squashed my share of coins. : ) Boys will be boys!
I love old trains and stories and poems about them. Thank you. Jamie
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Thank you for the visit, Jamie!
A good poem.There's something about the style,and mechanical workmanship of those old, metallic beasts that's sadly missing from todays ' A to B insipid rail transportation.
Thanks for the welcome!
Romeos Quill.
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Thank you, Romeos!
what an great poem Wayne...i remember those days - coins all over the tracks..
but then- in grade 8 - a boy i went to school with lost half his foot after getting it caught in the track..
that still makes me nauseous to think about...
(gag)
anyway - ahem - voting up and sharing my friend..
LOL..
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Thank you, Leslie! Even your comments are poetry. It's always beautiful to hear from you.
Enjoyed the ride on the rails. I used to love reading about the hobos riding the rails. Thanks for the memories. Passing this on.
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Thank you, Rasma.
Wayne, that deserves an awesome, up, and share. You see, there is a valuable lesson here that Many would never see
The truth is in the pudding
And truly the infinite blessing
Is in whom we really see.
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Thank you, Deb. I appreciate the kinds words and the support!
Nobility needn't always a crown....this is beautiful...a catch in the throat beautiful, Wayne. I love it...Voted Awesome, Beautiful, Up, and must be shared...Thank you so much.
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Thank you, Dotti! I appreciate the kind words and the support.
Poetically speaking,This poem is excellent,it flows smoothly till the end.I like the usage of your tradition and religion to convey this message .Good work Sir.
Have a wonderful weekend!
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You're too kind, James. Thank you very much.
lol sorry Wayne its me again. I meant to say Nobility needn't always wear a crown. sorry sir! I love this...carries a great message....
Fantastic flow of poetry! I've always had a fascination with trains. I too could see myself getting a foot stuck in the track. A nice message. Thanks for the share.
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Thank you, Skyler!
Wayne, you are an inspiration to me to dig deeper into myself and write expressive poetry. Thank you.
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Thanks Marie. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Your poetic prose had everything Sir Wayne - evocative images and a wonderful narrative to fill up my cinematic mind and your 'words' beat the heck out of any 3-D movie and that's what great writers always do.
Thank you for your support and friendship and like that Barbara Streisand song - People - "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world ...."
Sending you warm wishes from Colin and his pussycats at lake erie time 2:03pm on a cloudy but mild early summer's day
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Thank you very much Colin, my friend. I appreciate your kind compliments and the warm wishes from you and the kitties!
I think society forgets that God has a purpose for everyone. We are quick to turn a blind eye to those who might need our help, but thankfully not every person is wired that way.
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Thank you Jose! I appreciate the visit my friend!
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