Digital publication | Page 20

Boundless 

By  Katelyn W. 

 

An old railroad reached across the land, 

A rusted line of metal that once set the  path 

For many lost passengers. 

But just a mile ahead, the road  

like a twisted tree, diverges into three unique  branches; 

A decision must be made. 

 

On the right of this unintentional boundary 

Was  a mountain. 

strong,  rocky figure that stood on the  earth 

Shadowing over the creatures below. 

So tall  the  peak was barely  visible 

As it reached  high up into the  hovering  clouds, 

Spiraling around the snow-capped peak, 

Blending the sky into the land. 

At the foot of this mountain 

Ran many green hills, 

All competing to reach as high as their rocky friend, 

But  still kept  their heads low, 

As they were threatened by the mountain’s shadows. 

Fragrant wildflowers scattered around the greenery, 

Each displaying a unique  persona 

Some vibrant in color,  

Some standing  above the others, 

But  nonetheless,  each contributed to the picture. 

Every stroke of the wind rustled the tall, green grass, 

And bobbled the heads of the flowers. 

Animating this surreal scenery, 

And reminding of its authenticity.

To the left,  

Was  a land that humans acquired. 

Hard concrete roads traveled to the center of town, 

Bustling with shops and restaurants 

People, houses 

Laughter  and light conversations. 

Voices narrating every detail of this small-town life. 

But closer to the railroad, voices drowned  out. 

To be  replaced by the echoes of the trains 

that once ran tirelessly along these rails. 

This neighborhood at the very edge of town, 

Where the houses were empty, 

And the sidewalks  were cracked, 

A junk yard imprisoned by metal  wires 

Was hidden behind despair.