The lobby is empty. Everyone made the train but me this time. There is a cold damp wind out here on the platform as I peer down the track and study it as it disappears into a point. This is one-point perspective you see, and I understand that and know how to draw it and even teach it. It's what I've done for 30 years. But this morning it only reveals a distance into which I won't go today. I've missed the train.
I sit inside the station where it's warm. Even the ticket windows are closed. I look at the light reflected in the windows. It's dark outside and the play of light inside and out, the distorted and reflected colors and shapes are intriguing. The floor is at least 100 years old and has a marvelous patina to it. The shadows play in and out on the stacked equipment in the corner. I think about my work, all the buildings completed - some not so great, some quite satisfying. I take out my sketch pad and pencil and start drawing, thinking about a composition of shapes I see in charcoal or maybe oil. Maybe both.
I look down the track again but this time it's not with a lament of things missed. It's looking for a train to come my way, one on which I will ride to a new destination of adventure, art and expression of who I really am.
This train is a clean train, you know, this train
ReplyDeleteThis train is a clean train, I said, this train
This train is a clean train, everybody riding in Jesus' name
This train is a clean train, I said, this train
This train has left the station, you know, this train
This train has left the station, I said, this train
This train has left the station and this train takes on every nation
'Cause this train is a clean train, I said, this train
It's the prettiest train I ever have seen, this train
It's the prettiest train I ever have seen, oh, this train
It's the prettiest train I ever have seen
But if you want to ride it, you better get redeemed
'Cause this train is a clean train, I said, this train
Hey, this train is bound for glory, this train
This train is bound for glory, I said, this train
Hey, this train is bound for glory, everybody riding her must be holy
'Cause this train is a clean train, I said, this train
Hey, this train don't pull no jokers, I said, this train
This train don't pull no jokers, ah, ah, this train
Hey, this train don't pull no jokers
No tobacco chewers and no cigar smokers
'Cause this train is a clean train, I said, this train
This train is a clean train, I said, this train
This train is a clean train, I said, this train
This train is a clean train, everybody's riding in Jesus' name
'Cause this train is a clean train, I said, this train
Hey, this train is a clean train, I said, this train