No Backtracking
"Each one has to find his peace from within. And peace to be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances." - Mahatma Gandhi 
White Rock, Ocean Park and Crescent Beach are sleepy coastal communities that trains waken. I've written a lot about the BNSF Railway into Canada from the US that ribbons the West Coast seaside, heading to terminals in Metro Vancouver with cargoes of coal and chemicals to load onto massive ships for export largely to China. Environmental and safety concerns abound, particularly since a long string of boxcars (sometimes stacked), and tanks, cut off beach access. In Crescent Beach, the train coming through can prevent residents from exiting the village sometimes for a half hour or more, a serious concern should an emergency needing an ambulance occur. My recent sighting of the train in White Rock and the Poets and Storytellers United prompt "body of water" inspired my poem Overload below, not only about trains but a metaphor for airways carrying the weight of the world's discourse. Water, tracks, the internet: all conduits. 
Explore more at Poets and Storytellers United, SKYWATCH and Saturday's Critters.
Check out my sites: Postcards from Penelope Puddle and Musings of A Puddlist In B.C.
Because the state of our planet is the most pressing issue of our time, link up and learn about the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report and watch environmental activist, 90-year-old David Suzuki, in an interview.
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| HOLD ONTO THE LIGHT |
Trains do a lot of vital transportation of goods and services. They can also be very hazardous when mishaps occur. Some of the small towns here in Oklahoma have similar safety issues that you discuss where escape routes are blocked for a long time.
ReplyDelete...I love trains, I did as a kid and I still do as an old kid. Be well Maria.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. I've seen some very long, slow moving trains in the desert. You don't want to get stuck on the wrong side of the tracks, or your going to be there a long time!
ReplyDeleteLove the locomotive.
ReplyDeleteCrescent Beach is one of my favourite areas of the Lower Mainland though I seldom get there these days. I know how important trains are for transportation of goods and people. I also know how environmentally disastrous an accident can be. It would be great if somehow there would never be an accident. Of course that'll never happen.
ReplyDeleteSafety is so important with all means of transportation ~ Mindfulness is what is needed for our 'Earth ~ great post and photos ~ Hugs ^_^
ReplyDeleteI particularly love the whale imagery, and the note about conduits.
ReplyDeleteI must note a few things here. These few lines carry far more than their weight suggests. The imagery and visuals are a true treat. How I would love to stand there and watch the train move, despite all your concerns
ReplyDeleteThere is just something about trains isn't there? But there should be an alternate method for resident to leave.
ReplyDeleteI love the context you have provided (and gorgeous photos) and the message and imagery in your poem - Jae
ReplyDelete"The way whales burst across a body of water, bellowing bloated etc is so visual and beautifully expressed such a sad occurrance . It is unbelievable "cut off beach access and half an hour to cross while coal and chemicals race past Sounds horrible
ReplyDeleteSo true, the internet carries the heaviest load of all. Your photos are absolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHello, Maria
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your photos and your poem. I would much prefer to see the beach and the whale swimming away than the train cars. There are good and bad things about trains, we need them to transport goods but they can be dangerous too. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great day and a happy weekend!
That first quote is powerful and so hard to remember! Happy Saturday hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteAll the conduits you mentioned really are getting heavily used. It's no wonder we all feel a little overwhelmed by it all.
ReplyDeleteWhat a photographic journaling of a humungous railway carriage system along with the poetry which brings Nature across the tracks.
ReplyDeleteI always wanted to travel a long distance by rail. Trains are so mysterious.
ReplyDeleteI love the imagery of the whale.
Hi Marja. For me this is a educational write. Even Dr. David Suzuki's work was new to me. 90 years old, I'd best quickly read of him. My age as well, 92 years. Can't take it with me? To enjoy?
ReplyDelete