The Whistle Stop

Train pulls into at Santa Ana
I climb up two steps
with suitcase in hand.

Another toot, toot
the rails rumble
as I stumble to find a seat 

Scan the back alleys
and storage yards 
of the city facades to L.A.

Get off at Union Station 
catch a cab to my apartment
at Sixth and Grand

Wait at the railroad crossing

listening for the whistle cry
then watch the train go by.