ISSUE 7

Joseph Radke

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La Belle Époque

The train has stopped A train? at the border 
How quaint. between disease Suggests 
the 19th century, and love. Europe 
perhaps. You are sitting, as one might 
say, Who might say? backwards, 
facing what you’ve already been 
through. But that’s The whole trip, 
how time works. you’ve been watching
the steam trail. Steam! No matter 
Oh yes, very quaint. your speed, it has kept 
No Amtrak this. pace. 

 

You are wearing a simple red dress—
nine Très élégant. small rhinestones trace 
the bateau neckline, your This is a train with 
cars: cigarette at the dining car, Pullman 
sleeper, etc. end of a pearl holder.

 

Out the window, the steam 
flattens according to wind How 
analytical, speed how rational, 
and pressure. The sky is clear, revealing
the usual: the mind can be sun, a few 
birds, gray wisps at the at times.
above a stray Alp at the horizon. 

 

And your fellow passengers? Fallen 
It’s a bit angels, failed saints, 
strong-willed but hazy here. 
with heavy demons. The porter 
is an orderly: matching coat I want 
to say something and lyrical: hat. 
“the spirit knows no 
boundaries, only frontiers.”
He is checking I want to say 
something credentials. political: You 
hold no papers “nations are 
exponents of fear.” save currency. 
Mercy. My French fails. Mercy. 

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