Mature stately elegant parlor car
one of six remaining from days ago
once the pride, favorite of mid-
twentieth century railroad travelers.

Domed windows, fancy curtains,
dining tables, revolving lounge chairs,
mahogany wood paneling,
where a skilled attendant offered
drinks, food, entertaining dialogue.

With great ceremony, serving society's elite,
an era when rail travel was in vogue,
then forgotten, abandoned, left to fade.

Now rediscovered, refurbished, put to use
once again dancing upon twin steel rails
new life, new beginning, rejoice grand old star
now serving Amtrak's Coast Starlight.

Like her, we elders mature, gray, decline,
having traveled our own unique journey.
Retained are memories of seasons past.

Will we too be set aside
forgotten, uncared for, left to rust?
Or, like the old reclaimed parlor car
be valued, found useful,
as we traverse along the twilight of our lives.

© by Mike Goldenberg.
Used with the author's permission.