4th Place | “Train To Come Around”

“Train To Come Around”
Caroline Mamoulides
Raleigh, North Carolina
www.americansongspace.com/carolinemamoulides

It was early at the station when I found myself in line
Imagine my frustration when the agent changed the sign
There’s a storm up in the Catskills, eighty-four or more come down
Delays to be expected every train to come southbound

This traveler’s not so mystified by fate or destiny
The path to take is sanctified and clear as it can be
It’s hard to wait for anything when everything’s so right
Riding out the winter, making angels in the white

I’ve been waiting for this train to come around
I packed up all my worries long ago
And I’m not fading or about to settle in
I’m ready for what’s waiting round the bend
A blanket by the footboard and a pillow overhead
Keeps away the northern chill of a fire never fed
I’ve been waiting for this train to come around
I packed up all my worries long ago

The snow is falling slowly, silver dollars hit the ground
The aspens and the evergreens are tall and smiling down
Clouds of steam and whistles blow from high above the tracks
Upward, onward, open wide and never, no never looking back

I’ve been waiting for this train to come around
I packed up all my worries long ago
And I’m not fading or about to settle in
I’m ready for what’s waiting round the bend
A blanket by the footboard and a pillow overhead
Keeps away the northern chill of a fire never fed
I’ve been waiting for this train to come around
I packed up all my worries long ago

I was the last ticket taker with a one-way open end
And realize the time has come to say goodbye my friend
I’ve been waiting long enough and strong enough to know
Wherever this train takes me it will warm this wandering soul

I’ve been waiting for this train to come around
I packed up all my worries long ago
And I’m not fading or about to settle in
I’m ready for what’s waiting round the bend
Ready for what’s waiting round the bend