The ratcheting of heavy steel

Wheels on loose rails, a skateboard

We coast past the red neon roof of

Lockwood furnace, the limestone high school.

Thomas J. Roach

Tracks hiss, air breaks spit

Compression doors spring open

I sit facing the right way

On the wrong train.

Thomas J. Roach

Johnny said two trains

Tracks side by side speed

In opposite directions

One toward heaven, one to hell.

Thomas J. Roach

This train carries commuters

From Chicago south to Joliet

We left LaSalle Street tight

As a tomb, headed for Union Station.

Thomas J. Roach

Oak Forest , Tinley Park , Mokena

Sulfur, tobacco smoke, gray suits thin

Only bearded grease smeared railroad

Men and I come this far.