Against the Flow

Goldfinch60

 

I used to see him at the station

Waiting alone on the platform.

He on the other side,

While I was surrounded by the crowd,

Hustling and bustling, waiting for the train.

He would sit quietly reading the paper,

A gentle smile on his face,

As if he were laughing at us.

We pushed and shoved one another,

Trying to get the best spot

To get on the train.

His train arrived and he gently stepped on,

Took the seat of his choice

From the many of which he could pick.

My train arrived and the scrum would start

To try and find a space, let alone a seat.

The train would move,

I would be on my way with the crowd,

This crowd of people,

All going with the flow,

To our day of drudgery.

 

The day I retired that all ceased,

And I like that man I used to see

Would walk with a smile on my face,

As peace and harmony came to me,

As I then became,

The man going the other way.

  • Author: Goldfinch60 (Pseudonym) (Offline Offline)
  • Published: October 17th, 2017 01:05
  • Comment from author about the poem: After reading Hood's poem "Drum" about travelling in the wrong direction I said I would post this one for him. I wrote it a couple of years ago.
  • Category: Reflection
  • Views: 67
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Comments +

Comments8

  • orchidee

    A fine write Gold. I've felt the same, if rushing around town sometimes. I see a homeless person (whether genuine or not?) taking it easy, or sleeping. Though of course, being genuinely homeless is not easy.

  • FredPeyer

    Nice, Goldfinch! My office is at home, so no commuting! Have a smile on my face all day long!!!

    • Goldfinch60

      That is wonderful Fred - coffee whenever you like.

    • Poetic Dan

      Brilliant, i was one that man. Now going the other way as you say, great reminder to keep my smile in place.

      • Goldfinch60

        Thank you PD, the smile must always be there.

      • BRIAN & ANGELA

        Hi ANDY ~ On a fine day ~ I go to work by BICYCLE ! Retirement is a distant dream ! Once it was 2048 when I'll be 65 but now it looks more like 2058 (75 !) C'est la Vie BRIAN

        • Goldfinch60

          It is such a shame that the retirement age I increasing, I do consider myself very fortunate to have been born when I was.

        • Christina8

          A great write. I think we get so caught up in our business some of us don't even notice the man going the other way. Would be nice if we could slow down and take notice. It only takes a moment. Great thoughtful piece!

          • Goldfinch60

            Thank you Christina, all really takes is for others to see.

          • WL Schuett

            I’ve been going the other way for a few years now it’s great , really nice poem

            • Goldfinch60

              Thank you WL, it really is great isn't it.

            • Louis Gibbs

              There's a lot to be said for going in the opposite direction of the crowd, isn't there. Good write, Goldie!

              • Goldfinch60

                There sure is, I know that I am going the right way in my life.

              • Laura🌻

                Beautifully said and illustrated, Andy! Retirement is wonderful. We made it! My husband and I are enjoying being in your club! It's great going the other way!

                • Goldfinch60

                  The club we are in is so wonderful, no rush to do anything.



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