Prose-n-Poetry.com

Original Poetry and Stories

Featuring Our Midi Musicbox *
Register
Login
Password
Save Cookie?  
Forgot Password?
 





The Airedale Hobo

by Anthony Lane Stahlhut (Age: 52)
copyright 10-25-2005
Contest Winner


Age Rating: 7 +
The Airedale Hobo


The Gondolas rattled down the tracks.
No surfing for there are no tops.
North Bank Fred will try to catch out,
The next time that the train stops.

Bindlesnif's boarding on both sides,
looking for a place to roll out.
Traveling the tracks looking for work,
gumboats cooking whatever is about.

They leave their Jungle's on the rail
trying to catch the hot trains.
Looking for something to call a life,
out of, whatever, remains.

Stamp collectors go from State to State,
collecting all the government will give.
Migrant workers ride the rail
for work, so they can live.

Rec. riders do it all for the fun,
the thrill of catching the ride.
Some do it trying just to escape.
Hopping somehow to again feel alive.

But the one we call the "Airedale,
he always goes it alone.
They think he is standoffish,
his story to them is unknown.

For once he was a wealthy man,
until his ivory towers fell.
Sense that day in September
his life has gone to hell.

He travels up and down the tracks.
Searching for what he can't find.
A reason why, again to try
to recapture what was left behind.

Till then he'll just be a hobo,
that rides alone on the rail.
He lost his wife and child
the day those towers fell.

Gondolas rattling down the tracks.
No surfing for there are no tops.
Hobo's getting on and off
whenever the train stops.

All alone he rides the tracks.
The one we call the "Airedale."
Sense the day, he was away.
He's been hung out on the rail.






Visitor Reads: 1296
Total Reads: 1321
Comments:

Author's Page
Email the Author
Add a Comment






Comments on this Article/Poem:
Click on the commenter's name to see their Author's Page

        03-16-2006     Frederick Van Kirk        

Your poem is right on the mark, I worked on the former B&O for 30 years, I saw many hobos. They were always smiling, but their eyes were empty.

        11-14-2005     Deborah Thomas        

I bow to the master! I dare only enter now not to win, just to play along. Great write. Wonderful story and easy flow. One of your best, Anthony!

        11-13-2005     Mary -BrytEyz- Ball        

Sometimes we wonder what happened...as I mentioned to you earlier today. I wonder what their story is, I wonder what their pain. I wonder what could help encourage them, or what could bring them down again. *sigh*

        10-25-2005     Roger Crique        

I think that for the first time since I've been here on PnP, I'm about to do something unheard of. But first, my critique! I think this is an absolutely awesome write. Things can change in a fraction of a second. Lives can be lost and found and fortunes made and lost. The imagery in this piece is gripping and the fluidity is exceptional. I am truly amazed! I have never given five stars to three different poets in a row! This is the first time I do so! Debbie, David and Anthony, way to go, guys!!!!!



left curlique right curlique
About PnP Privacy Terms of Service Banners Contact Us F.A.Q
Visitors