By Hallie Ranta
Jasper stood on the illuminated platform observing the two locomotives.
“Where ya headin’?” he asked the identical conductors.
“On,” they replied.
Jasper surveyed the first train’s compartments. Full of familiar faces and lush reclining armchairs, it offered a warm draft as he stepped toward its open doors.
Too warm.
Jasper hobbled across to the opposite track.
His disguise foiled, Death howled. “Someday, you stubborn old coot!”
“Don’t I know it,” Jasper wheezed. Soon enough he’d have no choice and would surrender to the beckoning call. Until then…
He settled into a threadbare seat as the homeward bound train rattled to life.
I like your use of the general journey metaphor as applied to aging and contemplating one’s not-too-distant death. Well written, concise and moving
Thank you Albert!
This came from a very brief dream…simply a station with all trains going ‘on.’
Thank you to Susan for helping to tweak and put the finishing touches on it!
Well-written and evocative. Thanks for sharing.
I was actually wondering if it could have been from a dream. It has a dream-like quality to it. And I like the train metaphor.
Beautiful story, love the metaphor ?