Two close versions. Preferences?
On a country railway platform
We are the only life in town
and we wait to get away
as a pine wind scuffs
crisp, crablike pinoak leaves
and rustles trousers.
We gaze hard into rail straight distance
until a far-off glint reassures.
Anticipatory milling kicks in.
No uniformed presence but
a computerised voice crackles.
The 11.55 from Ballan, stopping all
stations to Southern Cross is now
arriving. Neither restrooms nor ticket
counter have been open. Anzac Day.
A tow-haired boy pockets his yo-yo.
bw
26.4.16
On a country railway platform 3
Ranged, ready,
we want out of here.
A pine wind scuffs
crisp pin oak leaves
and rustles trousers.
We gaze hard into rail straight distance
until a far-off glint reassures.
Anticipatory milling kicks in.
No uniformed presence but
a computerised voice crackles.
The 11.55 from Ballan, stopping all
stations to Southern Cross is now
arriving. Neither restrooms nor ticket
counter have been open. Anzac Day.
A tow-haired boy pockets his yo-yo.
bw
27.4.16
Bill
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