This poem reflects upon the journey of a young boy who has the opportunity to travel on a train back in the late 1960s.  I will always remember this trip with my father.  Originally written in December, 2018, the poem has been updated for both content and style.

Lying awake in bed on hot, sultry summer nights

Young boy listens to moving trains, far out of sight

 

Dreaming of riding passenger trains, brings thrills

Reliable North Coast Limited quickly travels at will

 

Riding the Northern Pacific Railway’s pride and joy

Father takes son on his first-ever train trip—oh boy!

 

Sitting together in the comfy coach car, so much fun

Experiencing all that connects a father with his son

 

Shuffling down the aisle, steward offers snack foods

Restaurant in Glendive soon satisfies hungry moods

 

Making its journey to Montana’s “Gateway City” today

Hustling train passes many small towns along the way

 

Flashing quickly by—Custer, Hathaway, and Terry

Steady North Coast Limited acts as trusted ferry

 

Feeling safe with train’s constant rocking motion

Son’s eyes soon close, sleeping to its locomotion

 

Waking up, train slowing for a scheduled stop

Town of Forsyth, pausing for quick eavesdrop

 

Picking up steam, locomotive continues on its way to the East

Yellowstone River runs alongside, train powers up like a beast

 

Finishing this exciting journey and reaching their destination

Glendive will serve as today’s ending Montana train station

 

Accompanying his father as he takes care of his affairs

Enjoying dinner and staying overnight without any cares

 

Returning back home to Billings the very next morn

Son believing train travel should be his new norm

 

Sitting in cozy dining car, both treated quite well

Elegantly set table makes pancakes taste swell

 

Moving up to the observation car, enjoying beautiful views

Autumn’s harvested farm fields, lining up straight and true

 

Hurtling by more towns—Rosebud and Fallon go past

It’s much too bad this captivating journey cannot last

 

Remembering again those images and sounds of the train

Memories of the North Coast Limited shall always remain