Boxcar Blues
John Lee, Wolf,
and Muddy knew
the rails could
set you free
Direction
but an afterthought
when tracks
forever lead
To where the music
calls your name
in box cars
down the line
With darkened Angels
heading home
deliverance
— there to find
(Kingston Mines Chicago: January, 1996)
Blues Poem #25
The devil walked
behind me
to that crossroads
in the dark
He said ...
“Give me that
old gitar son
I’ll reignite
its spark
“But once I do
the die is cast
those licks
in Hades rhymed
“Now go and set
the world on fire
your soul
— forever mine”
(Listening To Robert Johnson: March, 2026)
-
Author:
Kurt Philip Behm (
Online) - Published: March 20th, 2026 09:11
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 6
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett, Tristan Robert Lange

Online)
Comments3
B.B. King, Big Mama Thornton, John Hurt, Leadbelly, Sarah Vaughn more lately Foy Vance, Beth Hart Blues the closest music to the soul A fave I thought with the first part of Boxcar Willy although not so much for the blues
Good Mojo on you, Soren.
Have a great day
I like it. It's nicely written.
Thanks so much.
You're welcome
Kurt, this rides that line between freedom and something deeper…almost spiritual. “Direction but an afterthought when tracks forever lead” really anchors it, while the boxcars and music give it motion. A wonderful blast from the past my friend. An aside, 1996 was the year I met my wife. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
Yes, a VERY good year indeed. Thanks, and an early Happy 30th Anniversary this year.
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