"The
human brain is like a railroad freight car - guaranteed to have a certain
capacity but often running empty" ...But what happens when there are no
more freight cars? The Shadow Train
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| Stories_ShadowTrain_09-27-07.pdf | Rails to Trails is a nationwide program to convert old, unused rail lines to bicycle and walking trails. In this locality is one such trail called Ladiga. |
| In recent days, the train has seen some light at then end of the tunnel. Not that trains will ever by replaced, but the sharp reduction in trains - both passenger and freight - is reason to celebrate the recent rise (if just momentary) in the value of a mass-transit systems -- so considered in Europe and Asia. Will the economy spur the train back? | |
"The
human brain is like a railroad freight car - guaranteed to have a certain
capacity but often running empty" ...But what happens when there are no
more freight cars?
"The Shadow Train" is another in the family of Stories of my Soul. Not a subject that has been of particular interest, but "The Shadow Train takes me back to some history of the rails in the locality.
Trains ushered forth the steel industry...and then the textile industry...and as well some military activity. Such names as L&M, Southern, and Union-Pacific might have at one time owned the local lines; now however, some of these lines are no longer - as transportation has seen its once-dominated rail nearly die to passenger travel and diminished greatly in hauling freight.
A national program called "Rails to Trails" replaced some local lines with an asphalt track or trail; now, instead of the roar of a passing train, there is the generally quiet sound of voices or spoke wheels humming along on a day's exercise or family venture. What remains is an occasional bridge, trestle or other or depot reminiscent of the train...the shadow of the train.
How can the train be overlooked - as it's shadow is burned into the center of most towns, the industry that too has diminished, and the general locality that remembers how important and intriguing it was...
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Last Edited: 07/08/2009