Blue Train

BLUE TRAIN

To John Coltrane

I listened to your blue train sauntering by...

Rhythmic, not marching but the two-step

Of a bird in a courtship dance, switching feet...

Coolly, fresh waters of a brook...cloudless cobalt blue sky...

Curling stone sliding, deep diver gliding...

Bass, low rumble of savannah elephants;

Cymbals, soft rain, silver pom-poms;

Saxophone, lead, flashing a deck of cards;

Trumpet, sharp, blending harmonies;

Piano, lively, dueling with the brass;

Saxophone, once more, announcing a theme one way,

Declaring it another, opening, closing doors...

Approaching the station...wheels slowing, whistle blowing...

Weaving in and out, a boxer feints, dodges, scores—drums.

John Coltrane (1926-67)