AUGUST 1976

I was listening to some reaction videos on the internet the other day when I "re-discovered" one of THE greatest and uniquely American songs I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. I forgot that Arlo Guthrie comes from a sturdy stock of great folklorists-namely his father Woody Guthrie. I associate Arlo with "Alice's Restaurant", so much so that I forgot he is an exceptional storyteller in his own right.

Alice's Restaurant is rather comical and fun and I listen to it every Thanksgiving and so had associated Arlo with comical and fun until after many years I was re-introduced and reminded of his stature by "City of New Orleans", and it took me for a ride-literally.

I was transported to August of 1976 when I made my way from New Mexico to San Diego via the railroad. And that is what this poem is about. I cannot do justice to "City of New Orleans" so please go listen to it and just revel in its beauty and haunting imagery of life before plane travel took over and maybe take a ride or travle somewhere by rail. It is a fascinatingly romantic experience and, in the meantime, it prompted me to write this:

AUGUST 1976

1-12-26

Clickety clack

Click clack

I'm riding on the railroad car

It feels so smooth

So far, so far

Clickety clack

Click clack

I feel the steel of wheel

On rails underneath

So far, so far

Clickety clack

click clack

I've ne'er been this far from home

The rocking car soothes me some

So far, so far

Clickety clack

Click clack

By land I am summoned far away

To serve, to serve

So far, so far

Clickety clack

click clack

I'm but a child at late eighteen

Soon to be a man-Marine

So far, So far

Clickety clack

Click clack

I feel the fear of the great unknown

Swoop down on me away from home

So far, so far

Clickety clack

click clack

The train it whistles out its song

Wonder if it will take too long

So far, so far

Clickety clack

Click clack

The train's rumble and the sounds it makes

Slumber me from wide awakes

So far, so far

Clickety clack

Click clack

We travel and we travel

Into the night

So far, So far

Clickety clack

Click clack

Like a tunnel bringing darkened sight

The future is in spite, in spite

So far, so far

Clickety clack

Click clack

The train, protesting hissingly, has stopped

My future has arrived!

So far, so far

No more clickety

Still my ride in truth has just begun

No more clack

There will be another train, another rail

Click

And another tale

Clack, clickety clack

Peace

Good Night, Good Night