A Place to Turn Around

©Matthew Word Bain

end of the line facilities for the Baltimore & Ohio
back when the Baltimore & Ohio still existed…
still an active facility, though scaled back
operated now by a regional short line
taking its name from a parallel line
now operated by NorfolkSouthern
something of a boneyard this is
an assortment of skeletons
languish on the far side
of this loading dock
once glorious
now resting
enduring
further decay
awaiting restoration
I imagine them imagining
what it might be like
to ride the rails
once more
or dreaming
of the old days
when their glory
was unquestionable
their motors hummed
and their paint was fresh
and children by the roadside
would count the cars they pulled