RAILROADED

i came across a railroad track
one dark and foggy night
the bells rang out a chorus
with a glare of crimson light

the ground began to thunder then
i knew the train was near
i saw the ghosts of headlights
and it caused a sense of fear

the train appeared a lengthy one
and not of rapid speed
i had been in a hurry
and for this, i had no need

that's when i saw the images
just like a movie screen
and every car that passed me by
contained a different scene

the first was of a baby born
a howling face of red
a little mop of matted hair
was plastered to its head

the next, the child began to walk
he struggled with each step
he looked just like a little foal
so awkward and inept

and then the lad went off to school
so sharply dressed and proud
i realized this was my life
"my God", i said aloud

i saw my mother's funeral
the year that i reached ten
the tears were running down my face
with thoughts of "could-have-been"

then came my graduation day
my mortarboard was tossed
a lad with no direction sought
his navigation, lost

my wedding day came much too fast
too young, i realize now
i wasn't near mature enough
to take a sacred vow

then three scenes of my children
at the moment of their birth
the finest contribution
that i gave the planet earth

and next my wife was leaving
i was broken and adrift
and ready to try anything
to give myself a lift

then years of self destruction
in an effort to just cope
my spirit welling up in me
at last, to give me hope

and then another marriage
and my crooked line grew straight
and i knew i was approaching soon
the present time and date

i saw my own face looming then
it took me by surprise
the look i gave myself
reminded me to close my eyes

the train accelerated on
but never did i peek
the future is a mystery
its secrets should not leak

and when i opened up my eyes
i could not help but stare
the road i saw was clear ahead
no railroad crossing there