Distrait within the dismal night
while drifting down deserted track...
Beyond the bend, a lantern light
illumed alone the vacant black.  
Such are the tricks that fate will feign
with passing trains in winter rain.

The darkling sky sighed, dripping dew,
beguiling to the trek anew.
Through diamond dusk old demons came -
There was no dread, there was no claim,
for distant thoughts will entertain
on passing trains in winter rain.

Through shadow’s fog a form appeared
(which slowed its pace as morning neared),
a lonesome, meek and wistful thing,
like fallen bird with broken wing.  
Such are the shapes and weary strain
of passing trains in winter rain.

We paused a moment, side by side
confronting Fate in eventide.
But Passion’s Pains of yesteryear
left youthful Ardor draped in fear -
We had our courses to maintain
like passing trains in winter rain.  

I often harken, flashing back,  
to sense the formless twisted track  
muse “Few have loved though all have toyed
inside this vast and vacant void -
The reason why ? At heart, mundane    
as passing trains in winter rain” ...