An Unmanned Station

Mysterious encounter ..........

An Unmanned Station

Scampering up the shingled station approach

Through a cold blustering showery rainstorm

And pushing back a half hinged stilted gateway

I took shelter under its wooden roofed platform

Four of six lantern shaped lamps were broken

So lighting levels were not their best that night

The shadows dancing eerily down a rail line

Resembled shivering iron snakes in failing light

There was an hour to wait for the train’s arrival

Tonight’s final scheduled to stop at this place

I decide to kill time in the benched waiting room

Upon entering a young women I suddenly faced

Her petite attractiveness was stunning to behold

In cream coloured attire that looked as if it glowed

Cascading down each side hung golden silky curls

And star like a letter ‘M’ upon a necklace showed

Admittedly I was startled not seeing her earlier

But suppose views were mutual sitting there alone

Nervously I apologised for my sudden appearance

And she nodded timidly lifting rosy cheekbones

‘It’s an awful evening for travelling’ I stupidly said

In a voice that likened to a hummingbird’s song

She softy responded ‘be wary the night’s mist’

This puzzled me somewhat but just played along

Abruptly an old crackling rust tannoy announced

So nearly arriving here was the very last train

Holding open the door I gestured her go through

Onto the worn wet flagstones where it had rained

She grabbed hold my arm when I slightly slipped 

On an oily surface from not lately been treated

Good thing she did as the engine had pulled up

For this action meant demise had been cheated

Alighting the carriage I turned back to say thanks

But the mist was so thick it obscured a clear vision

It appeared my sweet saviour had just disappeared

Perhaps changing her mind over journey decisions

Taking a seat I looked out the rain streaked window

With still no one to see I settled down for the ride

Beside me was abandoned today’s local newspaper

Headlining the fourth anniversary of a girl that died

The description written sent a chill down my spine

She slipped in wet conditions at the station I’d left

Lost her life falling under the final train that night

A kind caring girl leaving a local community bereft

Was the mysterious girl saving me in the night’s mist

A figment of imagination or something more to bless

Reading the article I embraced this paranormal truth

For the girl who had perished was called Marie Matress

Copyright @ Phillozofee 2018

Author's Note

Her necklace was too much of a coincidence .... :-)

Reviews

[SleeplessVolcano]

What a chilling read! One could be simultaneously horrified and relieved at the presence of this strange benefactor!

I liked how your use of language matched the steam-train setting of the story. Somehow modern English lost something with its more informal approach.

Great poetry.....I think this could work well as a short story too... :)

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

Amazing and I know ever so true- got shivers reading- oh the beauty of these happenings that makes me live this journey called life I wouldn’t change it for a thing- gives me reason to go on- wonderful 🌹

[Ms Paragon]

This poem made me shiver!Excellent rhythm and use of language!Well done!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this poem gave me chills...she is always there at that station...looking for something---searching.

[HeartDove]

The imagery really keeps you hooked, A lovely poem indeed! I agree with the others down there, your use of language creates such a mood you can almost picture yourself a part of the poem.

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful poem shared. I liked the energy and the drive of the words. Fast pace and interesting characters. Perfect ending to the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Related, extremely well. I so enjoyed this ghostly story and your image of the steam train is right up my street. I love steam trains and it reminded me of trainspotting years ago with my brother. Your setting created the right ambience. This poem flows well, is lyrical and has nice rhyme. In fact it it is beautiful poetry, altogether. you should be proud of this piece. Well done.

Chris

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Excellent write Phill! This poem could be a ballad, easily put to music. Ethereal and surreal tale of salvation from the beyond..eloquent language, great form, flow, imagery, cadence, rhyme. Great scene-setting with the “eerie” train station. Then the enchanting Marie steps out of the mist into our imagination..Love this!

[Ardra]

Weekend special story time isit... :)

Like Casper the friendly ghost... she must also be very sweet to have helped you.... not all those who wander aimlessly are bad spirits ...
There is still good left we can say as moral of your story isn't it... :)
I remembered reading the book goosebumps..alone at night and getting scared hearing some sound...so I normally keep horror at bay... but don't mind the one you wrote.... :)