rusty and shaking

the rusty bridge awaits its purpose,

as trains come and go 

and rattle its insides.

the sun shines down on a family beneath,

on this gorgeous afternoon.

its the day in which we honor mothers,

and children run carefree in the grass under their feet.

wandering through the streets 

of old, small towns,

looking at antiques.

the oldest, a girl with short blonde hair,

laughs constantly, not quick to get angry,

she takes each stride gracefully.

the youngest, a girl with long soft brown locks,

quiet,with a pretty smile,

hesitant when it comes to the world before her.

and in the middle, a boy, a dirty dishwater blonde,

lanky, and not quick to think,

he doesn't process much in his head.

pictures of moments

as the three take to the tracks,

and walk across, like on a balance beam

the two youngest run ahead to the middle of the rusty bridge,

and lean over, gazing at the water rushing.

and then the parents come up from the hill,

right as the train blows its horn.

chaos erupts in this moment,

when train meets track,

barreling to the bridge.

the oldest shouts,

as tears fall from her eyes,

she imagines life without the others.

not quick to think and move their feet,

the others turn to walk,

and notice the train.

and take off in a stumbling run 

towards the end of the bridge.

slow motion takes on a whole new meaning,

as the train doesn't stop,

but time tries to.

the mother falls to her knees,

crying out for a miracle to save her children,

as the father stands astonished.

the boy and girl, face the train,

as if staring into the barrel of a 45.

the oldest thinks, take me,

they are young,

let them live, Lord, please.

they barely miss the side of the train, 

as they reach the end of the bridge.

the oldest slaps the boy,

and cries out, asking him why he did this.

the youngest is scared,

for she only followed her older brother.

the mother, on her day,

hugs her children,

just grateful for another moment.

fear is read on the faces of the kids,

as they walk with their family

back to the car.

the oldest, thanks the Lord,

that they are ok, but can't begin to understand

the thoughts in their heads.

the boy acts out in anger, 

claiming to not care, as the youngest looks up at him,

with sad eyes.

many tears were shed,

some of joy, some of sadness.

but sheer gratefulness rests in the minds and hearts of this family,

as the day comes to an end,

they recognize the miracle they were given on this day.