This weekend I took the train to Ottawa to visit a good friend, who also happens to be someone for whom I have the pleasure of editing. (Woohoo, I can claim my ticket!) 
More and more I’m enjoying travelling by train (especially if I have no one next to me, like this time, both ways), observing the interesting things we pass, from the backs of homes and factories and stores and junk lots to the ever-changing beautiful landscape of rivers, creeks, trees, fields, and marshlands, getting to catch up on editing or proofing, reading books and magazines, and sometimes even writing, as I did on the last trip (to Toronto, if you remember) and again this one. I’m beginning to wonder if perhaps I shouldn’t buy a ticket to somewhere every time I need to write. The view as well as the time alone to think and be without obligation seems quite inspiring.
On the way home today this afternoon, no one in the entire car spoke, which was both odd and absolutely wonderful. I relished sitting there with people who had all settled in for a few-hours’ trip either napping, listening to their iPods and staring out the window, doing homework or reading, or simply left to their quiet thoughts, all of us travelling in the same direction, all of us gently rocking to the rhythm of the train on the tracks. Something about it was so calming it made me happy—which as you might know is unusual for me, since I generally despise public transportation. Somehow, though, the plane journeys to and from England and the train to Ottawa and back this time around were actually enjoyable.
I read two home style magazines and a chunk of Will Ferguson’s Beyond Belfast: A 560-mile Walk Across Northern Ireland on Sore Feet. It’s made me laugh aloud in public places, this book. And I’m kind of reliving my own hiking trip in the Yorkshire Dales (yes, with a capital D. They deserve it). Also, I have to admit I have a crush now on Ferguson, and I can’t wait to read the rest of his books, especially Why I Hate Canadians. I’m curious because I think I might relate to it, but in general, any Canadian brave enough to write such a book is a hero, at least in my estimation.
Anyway. Back to Via Rail and inspiration. I was thinking, as we rocked along over terrifying bridges and past farms, of the joy there is in returning home, even after a very enjoyable sojourn away, no matter how long. I was thinking of Colin waiting for me at the station and the anticipation on both our parts, while I stared out the large window and also wondered at the strange halflight of the sun through the tint, and suddenly I thought to write this down in an effort to capture what I was seeing and feeling. Like a photo, it doesn’t capture it exactly right, nor is it anywhere near awardwinning, but you can blame that on my inadequacy as a poet.
For Colin
A greyblue blanket of clouds lies low
pricked by points of naked birches, spindly evergreens—
Past the Dead Marshes, dim-lit reflections
of yellowed grass, brittle skeletons of Queen Anne’s Lace
mirrored in mercury-like pools—
On cold iron tracks we speed in vocal silence
home at last where my lover awaits
with warm and orange embrace.
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I don’t see inadequacy as a poet there. Rather I see a person writing about a life experience that moved them to do so, and that is the substance of beauty in poetry for me.
My applause. =) And I’m glad you found the train ride enjoyable both ways.
Did you spell traveling wrong???
(I haven’t read past the title yet)
If you were American, I’d forgive you for this comment. Since you’re not, here’s a virtual slap.
How can you call yourself the sister of an editor?!
Mandie,
Thank you!
ha, that was good. well done my friend. and I’m so happy you have become a traveler!
Thank you!
With all the travelling, I’m starting to sound like you, right?
Trains have been inspiring writers, musicians, artists and filmmakers for ages, so it’s not surprising to hear of one more artist finding the time and space to write while riding the rails.
I thought the anticipation of meeting Colin was especially poignant…
And yes, I proofread before hitting “Submit”!
Hi Vivian! A pleasure to see you here! I just checked out your site and found it so attractive and enticing I subscribed, short of having the cash right now to book everywhere you recommended. For now I’ll travel vicariously through you.
It’s true, what you say about the train inspiring so many; sometimes I see people sketching or typing on their laptops, and so on. Often, people use the journey as a chance to catch up with work; I’ve done editing and proofreading while travelling, and surprisingly I’m able to focus better on the train than at home.
The trip always allows us time to ourselves for once, time to do whatever we want. One of my most memorable trips, actually, I was not alone but accompanied by my good friend Marie. We were returning to our homes (Belleville and Ottawa) from Toronto, at night, and the boarding person allowed us to sit in the same car even though she was supposed to be in another one. We settled in and got cozy and for over two hours caught up (the tall seats made us feel as though we were in our own little fort!) because there was nothing else to distract us. Every now and then the train stopped and everything would be hushed until startup again, or the cart with “drinks, snacks” would come along. People did their own thing, kept to themselves—lost in transportation, so to speak.
There’s something so decadent about travelling VIA as opposed to a crowded bus or even plane. I’d travel by train more often if I could afford it!
Thanks for your comment and for alerting me to your site! I’m glad you liked the poem. And hey, thanks, too, for proofreading.
Thanks for the visit! It’s nice to know that my words are being read
I so know what you mean! I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is to be on the late afternoon train between Toronto-Montreal and to see travellers immersed in their tiny worlds. Laptops, notes and textbooks are spilling over the sidetables. The sound of keyboards clicking, pens scratching. The long sigh of the blocked essay writer. Every highlighter colour in the rainbow.
I love the thought of so many worlds folded together in the train car.
Looking forward to reading more of your writing!
Hey Vivian,
Any time. I was on your site the other day to check out the Christmas displays locations, and then today I went on and saw your exciting contest. Of course, I commented!! What a great idea. If this blog is what you do for a living besides get to travel by train, I envy you!
Loved your description of the long sigh of the blocked essay writer; I could feel that one, let alone imagine it.
PS. I wish you would write more personal posts. I loved those!