The Long Trains Roll

The next few days passed quickly. I decided to keep a journal, something I had never done before. It helped take my mind off of my situation. I was writing when Twilight came for one of her visits. Putting aside my journal, I greeted her warmly. Several pieces of paper fluttered to the floor, unnoticed by me.

"Twilight! How have you been?"

"I've been busy. The princesses have been wanting daily reports on your condition, and I have been trying to find a place for you to live once you get better. Oh, You dropped something!"

Taking the paper in her magic, she read the contents of the page out loud.

"Have you ever sat by the railroad track

and watched the empties coming back?

Lumbering along with a groan and a whine,-

smoke strung out in a long gray line

belched from the panting engines’ stack

• just the empties coming back.

I have – and to m..

A new voice said "That was lovely."

Quickly looking up, my face red with embarrassment, I saw an alabaster colored pony with a flowing rainbow mane enter the room.

"Who are you?" I asked.

"I am Princess Celestia, co-ruler of Equestria. This is my sister Luna. It was she who spoke." She said, gesturing to a slightly smaller midnight blue pony next to her.

"Its not finished yet. I was going to finish it later, but I might as well recite the rest for you now.. I'll just do the second part."

"No, please recite the whole thing." Luna's voice contained a hint of pleading, so faint, I almost didn't hear it.

"Ok. Here goes."

"Have you ever sat by the railroad track

and watched the empties coming back?

Lumbering along with a groan and a whine,-

smoke strung out in a long gray line

belched from the panting engines’ stack

• just the empties coming back.

I have – and to me the empties seem

like dreams I sometimes dream -

of a girl – or money – or maybe fame -

my dreams have all returned the same,

swinging along the homebound track

- just the empties coming back."

"It is not that good." I said when I finished.

"Not that good?!" Twilight echoed incredulously. "Randy, I have read my share of poetry, and some of them were about railroads. That is the best that I have heard so far!"

"Really?"

"I must agree with my student's opinion." Celestia said. "I have heard many poems in my lifetime, and I must say, yours brings a sense of longing to my heart."

"Well, If you liked that one, you might like this one. But firs, I must ask if Twilight told you about my religion? We spent a great deal of time talking about it."

"She has."

"Good, then the poem I am about to recite will be less confusing then."

Last night as I lay sleeping,

I died or so it seems.

Then I went to Heaven

But, it was only in my dream.

But it seems St. Peter met me

at the Pearly Gates.

He said, "I must check your record,

So stand right here and wait."

I see where you drank alcohol

And swore quite often too.

Fact is you've done many things

That a good person shouldn't do.

We can't have people like you up here,

Your life was full of sin.

Then he read the last of my record,

Grasped my hand and said, "Come in."

He took me to the Big Boss, who said,

"Take him and treat him well."

He worked for the railroad, Sir.

He's had his share of HELL!"

A chuckle came from the doorway.