30 Day Picture Prompt Challenge

Man Who Never Returned

I think that I saw Charlie today,
as I went down the stairs of the M.T.A.,
rumors exist of this poor, lost soul
who couldn't leave, couldn't pay the toll.

He was called 'The Man Who Never Returned,'
according to legend, his fate was never learned.
He was forced to ride beneath the Boston streets
for the want of a fare he couldn't meet.

I think that I saw Charlie today
by the Alewife Station, out Melrose way.
Just a shadow, really, of his former self,
like a faded photograph on a forgotten shelf.

He moved slowly, as if tired and why shouldn't he be
after so many years of riding the 'T.'
The Big Dig's long finished and Boston has changed
but Charlie's missed all that's been rearranged.

I think that I saw Charlie today,
sitting on the train, but what could I say?
Just a ghost of himself, his wife long passed away
and yet Charlie still haunts the M.T.A

Fares are higher now, he'll never get free,
doomed to ride forever, no fresh air to breathe.
Billions of people have come and gone,
but Charlie's ride just goes on and on.





194 words.

Inspired by the photograph and by a song by the Kingson Trio.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh994JcEfkI










Fyn


** Image ID #1998374 Unavailable **