Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Trains

I couldn’t resist joining in for this prompt ,part of Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge. Though trains are constantly in the background with their wailing calls, they are on the other side of the Truckee and I couldn’t really capture a clear photo–however, trains are an important part of Northern Nevada with Reno/Sparks being a link to East-West bound trains and, of course, with our history of mining. The Virginia-Truckee run from Virginia City to Carson City has been resurrected and is a popular tourist attraction (V-T Railroad). Our photo focuses on the importance of the railroad in mining and is featured in the front yard of a home in our neighborhood.

Photo: David Slotto

Sound and Silence

 

Summer sings of river’s flow,

the buzz of bees and,

if you but listen closely, growing grass.

At night, crickets call insistently,

seeking a mate.

A blue jay squawks counterpoint

to robins trill.

 

We hear groans of air-conditioners

or, through our open windows,

the long, long, short, long wail

of trains heading toward the East.

 

Out in the yard, children’s laughter

fills us with such memories of our own.

And on her porch an aged spinsters tells

her stories to anyone who passes by

and neighbors spread the news

across the fence.

 

When winter comes, then silence will ensue—

‘tis time to go within

and wait.

Tags: Cee's Fun Foto Challenge, David and Victoria Slotto, Mining, Reno NV, Trains, V-T Railroad, Victoria Slotto Poetry

• July 21, 2016
• Photography, Poetry
• 5 Comments