The Durango-Silverton Adventure (Story Poem)

All Aboard!

The call was heard! The whistle blew!
My breath held in pause with awe -
excitement rising with the bright, warm sun.
The mountain air clean, crisp and cool
as the big, black engine began to roar
and old, metal wheels slowly started to turn
pulling bright, yellow cars, trailing behind,
over wooden tracks laid in secret so long ago
by men who boldly dreamed it could be done
daring to conquer the untamed wild.

Smells of the steam engine and cedar,
mixed with the scents of flowers nearby,
and fresh, morning coffee carried aboard,
filled my senses with sheer delight
as the train’s whistle blew once more
and Durango we left, fading from view.

Ascending over mountain ridges of granite,
once laced with silver and gold for the taking,
we traveled the passes of Animas Canyon
through tunnels once carved by explosives,
overlooking sheer drops to the rapids below
a challenge for the adventuresome soul.

Through meadows of lush green, untouched
by the progressive ambition of human desire,
over bridges of wood, sculpted with skill,
to blend with the scheme of the unblemished land,
as nature’s subjects, the deer and its foe,
lived without fear of the strangers aboard.

Then, suddenly, a breath-taking sight,
the old town of Silverton came into view.
Landmarks of history clustered below,
bustling with tourists gathering gifts -
mementos for home, treasures galore,
for loved ones and friends they adore

The whistle blew, announcing arrival,
and the old train jerked as it slowed
making its way into Silverton Station,
as the sights and sounds overtook me,
the aroma of nearby food called
and my stomach growled at its lure.

Finally, we chugged to a halt
awaiting approval to exit the train.
This journey was over, now on to another.
We ask for a map, a restaurant to find,
then off to explore the town and its lore.
We’re havin’ fun! Sure wish you were here!

Copyright © 2004, Kimberly Lovell, all rights reserved
Permission to reprint required in writing