Train From Taegu
by Vernon James Mooers
The coach creeps across the plain
rolls through the fog and mountains
along the river and its boats
sneaks toward the sea.
The printing blocks collect dust
on Haeinsa Temple shelves.
The stones of Katbawi
the Buddhist image of Yakayorae
rest in granite rock on Mount Chuwang.
On the platform a woman waits
adaughtered bundle of warmth
stirs in the wrap cloth of her back.
She waits for her man
but he does not come this day
nor yesterday.
The Pugok hot springs boil like a kettle
and spew from the rock their steamsulpher salts:
the tears of hell seep and weep
their way to the sea.
The woman feels the baby stir
hears a whimper, then a scream
cries loud enough
to drown out
the sound of the departing train.
She will come again tomorrow, when
the leaves fall in the mountains
and wait,
in cold November air.
September 29, 2005
