The Death Train.

We’re all waiting on the death train

To take us all away

Some will kick and scream

Some will merely say

Where does the death train go to

Is it a journey of despair

The million dollar question

Nobody really cares

All aboard the death train

The ticket is totally free

The conductor will point to the sign

You won't return at three

The track is never ending

Your life you’ll get to see

The answer you always searched for

Will be revealed at three

The door is finally opened

The platform sets you free

You see the sign before you

To be or not to be

The answer was the question

The conductor says with glee

All aboard the death train

Stopping just to see

Lives unanswered question

You never got to see

Revealed at the very end

Just as the clock struck three.

Reviews

[light and ashes]

Probably one of the most memorable writes I've ever read on here...
This is really great.. a masterpiece.

[Paul Bell]

The journey we all get to take, though covid 19 seems to be speeding the journey somewhat.

[barleygirl]

I don't remember seeing much rhyme from you, but you know I love rhyme, so it's fun to read you along a bouncy rhyming path of rambunctiousness. I love how your poem feels a little sarcastic, as if making fun of people who act as if we're not all headed for death, some sooner, some later. To me, it's a waste of time to make choices to avoid death becuz it will get us when it wants us. I love how your sassy take on this is so different from the many other writers who ponder death is deep & austere ways! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Paul Bell]

Hope you're still doing well in the heat, it's as if the whole of America is on fire. Death and sarcasm, it's like you're not paying for the funeral.

[barleygirl]

Well, I didn't evacuate even tho there's a mandatory order for my area & now the fire is tame, so taking that risk paid off . . .

[Paul Bell]

Great stuff, hope it stays that way.

[sonnie ibadah]

This is so thought-provoking. Loved the flow. Nice work!

[Paul Bell]

Glad I wasn't on it.

[Karoline Lesande]

Hopefully I won't go kicking and screaming :o Very insightful!

[Paul Bell]

Hopefully i'm not behind you. lol

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Hi Paul, Sounds as if air travel is safer! Like this morbidly humour filled jaunty little piece. Been penning a few exit poems recently myself lol!

[Paul Bell]

Pandemic of leaving. lol

[Dave Brown]

Think I'll chuck my watch

[Paul Bell]

Done mine.

[Einstein Noodle]

sung to the tune of https://youtu.be/UkTQri3a4Gg
a long time ago i read some advice about dying and our approaches to it .. it was from Ann Landers ;) she said its like a trip we are going to take ... but we don't need to worry about the ticket .. the conductor will hand it to us when we climb aboard :) of course your poem brings covid to mind instantly .. and the tragedy of it all .. the conspiracy fears .. the blaming .. the huge misinformation about the deaths and who is at risk ... not healthy to stay in the cave either is it ... death will have us all :)
E.

[Paul Bell]

Death and taxes, it's all in the small print, prepare to die and you won't be disappointed. Prepare for lockdown and curfew, cancel 2020 perfect vision.

[Paul Bell]

You having a rest from writing.

[Einstein Noodle]

yeah ... i have been Paul ... just not feeling it lately .. i am working (kinda) on one .. i think it is almost done ... need to take several more looks at it first ... thanks for asking .. you have inspired me to take one of those "looks" today ... i agree totally with your take on death .. its a subject that needs open honesty discussion throughout life, i think ... mines pretty much taken care of... there are some great pre-pay plans so loved ones don't have to do much but sit back and watch ;} .... i tell my kids i am having 20 bag pipers playing Irish dirges during the whole thing .. to make sure people cry :))))))) ... then break out the beer and Jameson

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

I think I'll take an aeroplane and jet off. Life is so boring these days. Might as well arrive at my destination in style.

[Paul Bell]

You're taking the train, it's in the script. Though an aeroplane does get you closer to your destination. lol

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

It better have good food then....

[Paul Bell]

They'll be bread and fish.

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

What happened to wine?

[Paul Bell]

The water guy's on that.

[Dhara_Ditzy Kat]

Gr8.I just want to be pissed thruout.

[Paul Bell]

Sounds great to me, I'm in.

[AJNJ]

The answer was the question and the question was the answer! Fantastic sir! This is best definition of life I've read recently. I can't wait to get aboard the train and see if anything more interesting lies ahead. Next station please.

[Paul Bell]

Glad you liked it, the train is always boarding and the journey through life is, well, that is the question.

[AJNJ]

Its been crushingly boring lately. Maybe, we're all thinking on those lines. :)

[Paul Bell]

Think it will be boring for the rest of the year.

[AJNJ]

Yes unless the vaccine works....And even if it does, I give it another year

[billyjf]

Were the last few lines meant to be written as "Life's unanswered question / You never got to see / Revealed at the very end"? I like the sense of mystery and of the unknown.

[Paul Bell]

Was always told, life's isn't a word, though it does look correct, but this could be answered at the end of the journey or not. lol