I love poems that include trains. I don't know what it is. Maybe there's something distinctly old fashioned and poetic about them. One train hides another, by Kenneth Koch may be my favorite train poem ever. I really liked the part about you " sharing tracks..." That feels like a metaphor for the poems you've shared over the years. Good work man!
"Written on the Amtrak" --- made me think instantly of the poem you wrote about Walden years ago, one of my favorites. Taken together with this one, I sense a true range of your spirit, from humor, rage, disappointment, pride, loneliness, to sensitivity. I will sit next to you on the train to somewhere/nowhere, friend.
“I was born lonely….” A poetry gut punch in the best possible way. I love the way. Your words can crystallize in a short space so much of a person‘s experience. I’m teaching your stories in a college class tomorrow, and I’m going to share this poem with them and tell them that if this doesn’t hit them in the heart, then they should probably just drop the class. lol.
This one struck me differently, Sherman... thank you for sharing your writing. Writing on moving trains and about kids and baggage and redemption and so much more...
Riding on a train in bumfuck Czech Republic in the 90s I glimpsed a naked, hairy man running toward the train, smiling and waving mischievously. I figured there’s not much to do in his town.
The desire to live fully and experience life - and hopefully - some moments of grace and generosity and love - is the only thing that gives ANYONE grace.
And getting out on the train is how one does it. It isn't an end point - redemption is the process.
I love poems that include trains. I don't know what it is. Maybe there's something distinctly old fashioned and poetic about them. One train hides another, by Kenneth Koch may be my favorite train poem ever. I really liked the part about you " sharing tracks..." That feels like a metaphor for the poems you've shared over the years. Good work man!
"Written on the Amtrak" --- made me think instantly of the poem you wrote about Walden years ago, one of my favorites. Taken together with this one, I sense a true range of your spirit, from humor, rage, disappointment, pride, loneliness, to sensitivity. I will sit next to you on the train to somewhere/nowhere, friend.
A very good read!
“I was born lonely….” A poetry gut punch in the best possible way. I love the way. Your words can crystallize in a short space so much of a person‘s experience. I’m teaching your stories in a college class tomorrow, and I’m going to share this poem with them and tell them that if this doesn’t hit them in the heart, then they should probably just drop the class. lol.
And now your determination made you a question on Jeopardy…. Quite a train ride
This one struck me differently, Sherman... thank you for sharing your writing. Writing on moving trains and about kids and baggage and redemption and so much more...
I think you are redeemed with every word you write, Sherman Alexie. Redeemed! Amen.
Well the train keeps rolling. Maybe one day you’ll pull into that redemption station.
Riding on a train in bumfuck Czech Republic in the 90s I glimpsed a naked, hairy man running toward the train, smiling and waving mischievously. I figured there’s not much to do in his town.
The desire to live fully and experience life - and hopefully - some moments of grace and generosity and love - is the only thing that gives ANYONE grace.
And getting out on the train is how one does it. It isn't an end point - redemption is the process.
Thank you for sharing. Needed this for today. And for the grounding experience. And for the reality of the world spinning around us.
So deeply moved by this poem. Thank you Sherman.
💙💙💙
I love this poem. Love the motion forward, but not really arriving. SO...the travel can continue.
You put the poet in poetry! Every time!
"I was born with a suitcase in my hand". Outstanding poem.