red poppy, expanding

the wind from the train

when it passes

seems all-embracing

nor is it easy to avoid

its thunderous roar

the gleaming metalwork

its seductive sense of progress

the obvious intent

and as it passes,

i falsely believe i can go with it

that it contains

enough earth and truth

and soul and beauty

to carry me

but i am not that train

i am the field of red poppy

expanding

beside the track

? Hugh Barton 2010