[This is not a true story

except for the people

and some of the details.]

We went out to Palm Springs

to visit our friends

we’ve known forever.

We thought we’d take the train

which finally goes that far

and even farther

into the desert

maybe to Needles or Las Vegas

or wherever.

We thought it would be fun.

It was.

Our friends picked us up

at the station.

It was a little station

alone by itself

in the desert

empty with nobody

but dirt and sand.

We saw it in a video

on the internet.

Nobody stops there

but for us

they did

because we booked ahead.

Our friends picked us up

took us around

we had dinner.

They said

“stay overnight

we have room.”

Next day

they drove us

to the empty little station

waved goodbye.

We quick booked a ride back

on the train.

We saw the train coming.

It didn’t stop.

It faded into the distance.

Then MIRACLE!

It stopped,

backed up,

opened the doors

for us.

I asked the conductor,

“How did you know

to stop for us?”

He said,

“I’ve been reading your blog.”