Tom Backus
Photography and Poem By Amber Asllakson
Everyone’s Uncle
He climbs aboard
destination unknown
Route stretching from Land of Lincoln to Lincoln, Nebraska
The atmosphere abuzz with energy
powered by interactions
life needs no retractions
All aboard! away from the station, the train pulls,
to the great unknown.
The train climbs
and climbs
and climbs
things never quite what they once seemed, looking back
The journey progresses as he takes pause
to stand up, for himself, for others
Shouting from the tabletops
“Talk to me!”
Stops along the way
all seem to intertwine like knots on a fine chain
but he sees those close around him
figuring it out, breaking the cycle.
Packed away he carries with him
Where he’s been and who he is.
Not looking for change,
happy with who he’s become.
Inspired by those who came before him,
big shoes needing filled.
Click, clack the engine races down the track
Pulling car after car
Family, friends, strangers whose role has yet to be defined
There’s no turning back.
The train slows
brakes squeal
whistles blow
it all seems so very real
There, waiting at the station
the next generation
uncle the will say to him
a loving guide to all of them
He steps off the train
knowing he will leave this stop
a little better than he found it
Ready to live long and prosper; the eagle has landed