Train Rides and Epic Strides

Trains. Who doesn't love a good vintage train ride?

Maybe a brisk ride through the English countryside. Or maybe you want a slow, scenic route through autumn mountain landscapes.

Whatever the reason, trains are a classic form of transportation. And they provide a good link to connect with the imagination.

Some of the best stories I read growing up involved train rides. Whether it's the Pevensie children leaving London by train to escape the war, or Harry Potter heading to Hogwarts, trains are iconically intwined in classic novels.

J.K. Rowling herself got the idea for Harry Potter while riding a train. And it was that single idea that brought her to write seven books and to billionaire status.

Trains offer a sense of peace and hustle all at once. Whilst they are adamant on making good time, once you are on board and seated, there is an allure to just watching the world fly by.

Whether you decide to use the time to observe the landscape, or write the next epic novella, surely you can draw some romantic ideas from your journey aboard.

One of the best train poems I have ever read is by James Thomson. I wanted to include it to mirror the possibilities of capturing train allure. This poem is short, sweet, and stunningly beautiful.

AS we rush, as we rush in the Train,   

The trees and the houses go wheeling back,

But the starry heavens above the plain   

Come flying on our track.

All the beautiful stars of the sky,   

The silver doves of the forest of Night,

Over the dull earth swarm and fly,   

Companions of our flight.

We will rush ever on without fear;  

 Let the goal be far, the flight be fleet!

For we carry the Heavens with us, dear,   

While the Earth slips from our feet!

-James Thomson

This is so beautiful. He captures the visual essence of trains so elegantly. I absolutely love it.

There's such a poetic draw to antique and vintage artifacts. Trains, covered bridges, old teacups. Postcards from London, an old typewriter. I love the implications of value and art being observed in old objects. Things that have been left behind or discarded to times long past. Replaced by a fast-approaching change of pace.

Trains used to be a life-altering mode of travel. Now, most people tend to lean towards the path of flight. However, I think if you are an aspiring writer, or an artist seeking inspiration, then maybe find a train station. Whether you choose to board the train, or simply sit on a bench in a busy city or a quiet country station. See where your imagination takes you. I'm curious what kind of art would come from your heart when the world is quiet.