SCENES FROM LONG AGO

SCENES FROM LONG AGO

On Beard Street,

In Kernersville, there are colorful 

Wall murals which give glimpses 

Into what was, long ago. 

I saw ladies in billowing long 

Red and white dresses standing 

With gentlemen wearing tall hats

All waiting at the railroad station 

For family arriving from faraway places.

Soon, they would all step into a horse 

Drawn carriage to take a short ride home.

Nobody looked up to see the child

Perched high above who on bleak days 

After school would climb to the flat roof

To wait for the trains to pass.

The trains were carrying weary passengers

Traveling to faraway places, and they were 

Also going home.

Many years later, she would remember 

The sound of the whistle as the trains 

Passed and she would speak of the sound 

As both sad and mournful,

Perhaps because it always 

Strangely reminded 

Her of all times past.

© Marjorie Levine 2010