A train comes into the station with the sound
of a wave rushing to shore, which is also the sound
of time coming to a point. This is the moment
when a row of holiday-makers, waist deep in the sea,
greets the onset of a big swell with a jump
and an ecstatic cry. What is difficult to fathom,
without a train or wave, is that it is always happening,
everyone in unison raising arms in triumph or alarm,
water sliding under our feet.
Charisse Gendron is a former English professor living in Maine. She currently teaches literature and creative writing for Coastal Senior College in Newcastle and Maine Charitable Mechanics’ Hall in Portland.
