Poem: I Watch

I Watch

I watch as two trains hurl towards each other.

Knowing neither is going to stop,

Knowing what must happen next.

I watch as trains collide and pieces go flying,

As anger rages and tears flow freely,

As bitterness and hurt are exposed.

I watch as two people who love each other – destroy each other.

I watch as accusations fly but also…

As apologies are given in shame,

As two struggle to understand.

I watch myself standing in the middle of the train tracks,

First anticipating the inevitable collision,

Then amidst the flaming aftermath.

I watch as I concentrate on all the separate pieces,

Then slowly try to rescue what I can, 

And restore some sense of cohesion.

I watch, knowing that I cannot do everything,

But knowing that I can help,

And determined to do what I can. 

I watch as pieces slowly come back together,

As compromises are reached,

And progress slowly made.

I watch knowing tonight is just the beginning,

That construction needs to be done,

And train tracks redirected.

I watch until I can let go with a measure of peace.

I watch knowing the trains, my friends, can never be the same,

Grieving for the pain and anger I’ve seen,

But hopeful and praying for the future.