Memory Tracks Poem by Padmanabhan Ananth

Whizzing poles made strange wind-tunes
Cool gusts from windows glided over my face
Coveted seat reserved with effort
On journey doze, can't waste even a minute!

Chugged along over clattering tracks
Passed through cities, hamlets, woods
Even saw an excited child's hands wave
At the blaring horn, a farm cow's uneasy mow

A remote station, platform hardly long
To hold that winding express train
A few village women with coloured water pots
Station taps filled up water for thirsty throats

Halted only for a few moments
But time enough to hop on, for hawkers
In fervent hope of selling their wares
Farm-fresh ripe guavas and crisp kakdees*
Cut, served sprinkled with salt and chillies

Sold like hot cakes to hungry traveller
Some even angry at slow-coach driver
As if late running wasn't ever expected!
So the ire was on hawkers' bargaining, too bad!

Clambered onto upper berth for li'l stretch
It was a three-tier (not 'tyre') coach
AC was when we walk through the vestibuled cars
Our coach - cooled only by windows and fans

The fan just refused to turn on its own
Needed prods with a cautious pen!
Produced more noise than breeze
Drowned the din, it's whirring cries

The restroom, best we don't discuss!
Tea or coffee could turn even a calm, restless
But bread omelettes - my choice delicacy
Fresh, hot, spicy - never too pricey

But wouldn't you with me, readily agree
Special experience, is a train journey?
Most times late but reach it finally will
Taking you many places only by this wheel.
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*Cucumber in Hindi