train watching

i see the old men

down at the train station,

sitting

on benches on the platform.

they have no tickets,

no luggage,

they aren't going anywhere

or coming home

from some trip.

they're just there

watching the trains

arrive and leave.

watching the wheels,

the smoke,

the steel rails glisten

in the morning light.

they're

watching the passengers,

wave and kiss,

greet one another.

there is such joy to be seen.

and the leaving

is exquisitely

bittersweet.

i join them.