The Railways of December

by Poet on the Piano   Dec 2, 2012


I once heard that Tokyo, at night, is like a lost child.
There are no businessmen to see, to act unbroken
when briefcases demand you through deception,
though I know the trains speed by with little thought
who could be trying to
jump on.

A stranger, smelling strongly of cigarettes and
cinnamon, walked past my uncertain footsteps
the day before Christmas and told me that
railways are our paths to freedom.

When I hear the whistle and the rumble and the
screech and the secrets-
I want to find out who I am.

The winter still visits us, railway stations
are still met with fur boots, hand holding,
and nameless letters that are left to billow
in the evening breeze.

And I save my dream of Tokyo, the person I would be,
if I waited at the railway of my life,
watching each person imprint their face
into my mind with the potential

someone will be waiting too,
when all clocks are ready to doze and
the railways remain unanswered;
day will be re-opened and re-gifted,
it is the month for my heart to take hold,
wake up dry-mouthed on a crossroad
and do more than leave my script

behind...

* written December 1, 2012 at 8:25 pm.

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  • 13 years ago

    by The Queen

    This poem is probably one best example of motivational poems that is meant to inspire and motivate (especially younger) readers to not only pursue their dreams but to make them a reality.

    I find the allusion of Tokyo here--clever, considering the fact that it is the largest metropolitan area in the world. Tokyo here represents the author's dream.

    In the first stanza, the poet describes herself as helpless (lost child) when it comes to pursuing her dreams right away. She is also aware that the path to pursuing dreams can be deceiving; hence, she is taking one step at a time.

    "A stranger, smelling strongly of cigarettes and cinnamon," the stranger being mentioned here, is probably symbolizing elderly people who have seen and experienced things we may never know, or maybe decades away from learning ourselves.

    The next three stanzas describe her changing life and how she works to build personal confidence through others' experiences and presence.

    The final stanza indicates that she is brave now and is no longer afraid of facing challenges in life knowing that there are also others out there with the same dreams and aspirations.

    A very moving poem that uses effective diction and clever imagery. Well done!

  • 13 years ago

    by Ingrid

    MaryAnne,

    This is filled with the anticipation of a life to yet be discovered. I love the images you provided the reader with and how you were able to let them in on your deepest thoughts.

    I know you will always be a writer, in whatever form it will take, it is who you are, it is in your blood.

    Well done, sweet girl, and congratulations on the win:)

    *hugs*

    5/5 Ingrid

  • 13 years ago

    by Decayed

    So glad this won... It's a very unique write, MaryAnne. I want to comment thoroughly, but I lack the time... excuse me :/

  • 13 years ago

    by Karla

    Stunning piece!

  • 13 years ago

    by Darren

    As usual from you, a great poem crammed with detail and imagery.

    nominated.

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