American Centurions (CTG)

[Christopher T. George]

American Centurions

I take shelter under the arcade
of Union Station; light snow slants
in and wets my face. Above the station

doors stand marble centurions, mailed
and armored, fit for Valhalla with winged
helmets. In a dusky window I see

a Hispanic busboy spread a crisp white
table cloth in the America Restaurant.
Later, I sip a Scotch and water,

my train hurtles into the heartland.
I watch snow cover rough pasture
and bison bend their backs

to tufts of straw, chowing down
as if it's their final meal.

Christopher T. George

[Sherry]

Christopher, I can see it too. Well done! I can
almost hear the train hurtling into the heartland.

Sherry

[Christopher T. George]

Thank you, Sherry!

Chris

[lizzytysh]

Hi Christopher ~

I, too, was struck by the graphic images. I feel like I've been on a trip, yet have barely scrolled. Vivid. I love its feeling of forward movement; its dynamic energy ~ with the massiveness of the Union Station; the mailed and armored, marble centurions; the train hurtling down the tracks; and the bison, even standing still. All of the primary elements are symbolic of the former century in America and, each in their way, are endangered. The "as if" of the bison's meal may soon pass. The hardworking, Hispanic busboy; his rich, brown skin visible through the dusky window, in rich contrast with the crisp, white tablecloth in the America Restaurant, is symbolic of the last century, as well as this one, as he tries to make his way in America. Even the 'heartland of America' is undergoing massive change, the result of pollution, drought, and outsourcing. If only there were shelter for all of these precious elements of America, as there was for you in the station, albeit not total even there... the snow slanting in on you.

With snow symbolic of death, it's interesting to watch it first wet your face, and then begin to cover the rough pasture. That vision is just so photographic for me.

I enjoyed your poem immensely, Christopher... but, did you have to drink Scotch and water ? At least that's how I used to drink it... back in the day... . It creates a clear vision of a gentleman, reflecting as he absorbs the countryside, whilst riding the train.


~ Lizzy

[Jimmy O'Connell]

Great mood poem. Reminded me of the Union Stations in Washington and St Louis... grand majestic places. The final image for me was telling. A commentary on our culture.... the West... hurtling to nowhere and everywhere and doing it in style!!!

I lived in Baltimore for many years. Fond memories.

Good to have you on board here on the Lennyfiles!

Jimmy O'Connell