That old, misleading sound

            Have you ever heard a lonesome whistle blow?

            Like, a whistle that is on a train, you know.

            Or could it only be a lonesome trope?

            Whistles can’t be all alone, I hope.

            Consider them, statistically.

            Not every whistle has to be…

            Lonesome!

            They can make a sound that’s glad.

            Lonesome!

            Like, every catbird can’t be sad.

            Some whistles can be introverts

            by choice.

            They just take the option

            to pass on all the noise.

            Whistles have their shyness represented

            through a tone that’s mostly unintended.

            Most whistles are the furthest thing from shy.

            I have a whistle friend, and he’s one outgoing guy.

            Despite the barren distance they have come,

            the fact remains, train whistles are far from…

            Lonesome!

            As they play bingo- not alone,

            Lonesome!

            one toots, and then the others moan.

            Train whistles even have a Super PAC.

            Nothing lonesome ever acts like that!

            Train whistles do participate

            in functions, and can even date.

            Many choose to get real close

            and manufacture piccolos.

            “Lonesome” can be such a loaded word.

            On the strict interpretation, I respectfully differ.

            Lonesome! Shall I deconstruct the thought?

            Lonesome! Ok. I say they’re not.

            Lonesome! Only makes it sound as if.

            But, Lonesome! is just a sentimental riff.

            (And, far away, a lonesome whistle blew…)