The Train

My thoughts drift back tonight to years ago
When I stood in night's cool air and gazed out
into the dark and silent Napa night.

The only sound that cut the velvet night
was the clacking of the train as it crept
along the valley floor among the vines.

From the platform on the tail I cast my
thoughts into the darkness where they fell and
came to lay scattered lifeless on the tracks.

Like terrace high on palace grand I watched
the kingdom of my thoughts made barren with
each passing railroad tie supporting rail.

And like the moments passing with my life
rail-bound ties pass into the darkness
with clacking-echo fading to the night.