I am a train

The train track ticked underneath my long, heavy, metallic frame.  I could feel the hot, steamy air coming out of the top of my head as I pushed with all my effort to pull my heavy load.  The train conductor stuck his head through my left, front window and blew my whistle, making me sing a long, high-pitched wail.  All eyes turned towards my shiny, black frame as the steam increased at my effort to get to the load drop-off station.  All the children ran out of the wooden buildings, knowing that the train conductor always had lollipops for them.  The usual men dressed in cowboy hats and denim strutted out towards me.  They always liked to observe me and were some of my biggest fans.  The one I presume to be the leader once said "We are all train fans, ya know. But this shiny beaut here is our favorite."

I could feel the gears closest to my wheels slowing down as I neared the drop-off station.  Tick, tick, tick whined the tracks under my weight.  "Hello!" screamed the load inspector.  Laughter erupted from the children as I felt the train conductor move inside me.  Slowly, I haulted, much to the cowmens' appreciation.  

"Hoo-we!," screamed one of the cowmen ", really seems more shiny today.  Get a wash?"

Yes, yes I did.  I got washed and shined.  My gears were oiled, as well, making the work I complete easier on me.  Also, the heavy load of iron bars, coal, and other metals makes me look even more superb, showing how much I can pull.  My whistle is louder than ever and my windows also got a cleaning done. 

The children met the train conductor and hugged him.  He let out a toothy grin and handed the multi-colored lollipops to each one.  The cowmen walked to the back of my frame, with the load inspector (who was calling his team).

I could feel the heat settling on me and I knew it was being repelled to the people gathered nearest to me.  The train conductor began to whistle one of the songs he made up, and the children, sweet and innocent, hummed along, swaying from side to side.  I longed to be part of that circle. I longed for the train conductor to come and blow my whistle.  If only I can talk to the people I pull my loads to.  The things we would be able to discuss!  Oh what fun that would be.  And to sing!  Just think!

I wanted to get their attention, to communicate them in some way.  If only I could flash my headlights without the train conductor's help.  That would be able to get their attention.

I heard one of the cowmen release a sound much like "Hoo-we" behind me and I knew he found something he desired.  I wondered what.  

The train conductor mentioned taking the kids for a ride to the hairy, round mayor.  The round mayor let out a loud, bellowing laughter.  He reminded me of a brown-haired Santa Claus.  My passenger car that is hooked in front of my load cars has plushy seats and windows that can open.  Several even include tables to eat on.  Plus, the children are way lighter than loads of metal.  I would get a break and maybe the train conductor would blow my whistle for them!

The train conductor let out a light laugh, glancing off to the side.  My anxiety rose, hoping he would let them ride.  Oh, how I wanted to blow my whistle in support.  That whistle is my only communication to the outside world.

The mayor was finally able to let out a "yes" through his thunderous laughter.

The train conductor smiled, in reply, and the children let out an excited murmur.  The clank of metal in the background and the feeling of my back having less pressure on it told me that the crew was done unloading the supplies that I had carried to them.  The cowmen reappeared, apparently hearing that the children were given permission to ride "their beaut."

Sounding like whiny children that did not get a toy they wanted, they made their way over to the train conductor and mayor, begging to join.

The train conductor hooted out, inbetween laughter, "If you guys bring your banjos along and show the children your style of music, go right ahead."

The mayor shared a different view "I would not mind loosing sight of those men for a bit.  Always noisy and 'hoo-weeing' at any new or interesting object.  Trains, denim, pottery, or whatever else their eyes may settle on that may interest them.  Their crops are still growing and that means they are not doing much work around here, except exciting the children."

"Hoo-hoo-weeeeeeee!" the cowmen sang in a scratchy harmony.  With that, they ran off to get their banjos.

The click of metal in the background stopped and I felt that my back was fully lightened and at ease.  I was glad for the break and I was glad for the chance to give people rides.

The train conductor observed that the crew was done and walked towards them, disappearing from my sight.  Laughter emerged from them, along with words.  The children hustled closer to me, observing my black, shiny frame.  I am much taller than them, and longer.  I hope I do not scare them at all.  My shiny frame hopefully excites them.

The cowmen reappeared, this time with the brown and white banjos.  You could tell the banjos were well-used and well-loved.

The train conductor came into view and the cowmen hooted.

The train conductor opened the door to my passenger car and helped the children in.  The cowmen hooted at him, in delight, as he helped them in.  I felt them moving around inside me and choosing the most comfy seats.  I also heard children's laughter and cowmens' hoots.

The train conductor blew my whistle and I felt a happiness and delight crawl through my body. I felt determined to give the cowmen and the children the best ride they will ever have.

As I pulled off, the sound of banjos echoed through me, making me happy.