red poppy, expanding
the wind from the train
when it passes
seems all-embracing
nor is it easy to avoid
its thunderous roar
the gleaming metalwork
its seductive sense of progress
the obvious intent
and as it passes,
i falsely believe i can go with it
that it contains enough
earth and truth
and soul and beauty
to carry me
but i am not that train
i am the field of red poppy
expanding
beside the track
© Hugh Barton 2010