SLOW TRAINS


                 

          Considering my future
          from the observation
          car of California Zephyr #6,
          I roll away from the power of
          you. Farmlands flow by with grace --
          simpler lives by far, the heartland
          of love. Where does our sad struggle
          come from?

          Sophistication pales 
          against
          the rhythm
          of slow
          trains
     
          The wizened old conductor
          runs this trip most every day;
          he's probably loved his wife
          for forty years, perhaps I'll ask him
          why. Will he speak of strength and values, or
          simply shrug and sigh? Did we laugh
          once more than cry? Do we mean the words we 
          say?

          Sophistication pales
          against
          the rhythm of 
          slow trains; guard
          my heart in the
          dimming
          light

          Children sing and dance in 
          aisles; we were young once, pure
          at heart. I do believe you love me,
          though it's really just a start; secret words
          and actions break our closeness fast 
          away. Will you stay with me
          forever? Should we take it day by
          day?
                                                        
          Sophistication pales
          against the rhythm of
          slow trains; guard
          my heart in the dimming light,
          pretend we have
          no past

          Crossing the Mississippi, you seem
          a universe away. The river is eternal,
          yet always ripe for change; a goal to
          contemplate. The distant side of
          trouble arises in my sight
          but my journey ends in tears;
          I can't leave you, and I can't
          stay

          Sophistication pales 
          against the rhythm of
          slow trains; guard my heart
          in the dimming light, pretend
          we have no past; dear god,
          please let our future
          last.