Fantasy interior season 2: Across the iron road

We stood in line in New York’s cold, Two small hands, one story told. Your fingers wrapped around mine tight, Like you could hold back fate that night. No mother’s voice, no father’s name, Just you and me against the rain. Sister, you were all I knew, My only sky, my only blue. They pushed us toward the waiting train, Its metal lungs breathed smoke and pain. Thousands of children, eyes so wide, Dreams packed deep and fears inside. Some prayed soft. Some did not speak. Some were strong. Some were too weak. I watched the windows blur with tears, Carrying away our childhood years. At every town, they made us stand, Like broken toys in strangers’ hands. “Open your mouth.” “Walk this way.” “Lift your shirt.” “Turn. Don’t sway.” They checked our teeth. They checked our feet. Measured our worth in dust and heat. We learned that love had a price, And mercy depended on a roll of dice. You squeezed my arm. “Don’t leave me here.” I said, “I won’t.” I lied through fear. Because I did not know that day How easy forever slips away. A woman smiled. A man nodded slow. Their fingers reached, and you said “No.” But no one heard your shaking plea. They took your hand away from me. You turned once back—your face so pale, Like a ghost behind a veil. Your lips said my name, no sound, no breath, Just silence dressed like death. I tried to follow. I tried to fight. They held me down with “It’s alright.” But nothing was. Nothing stayed. My world collapsed in one sharp shade. The train moved on. I stayed alone, With half a heart and broken bones. Every whistle cut me deep, Every night stole all my sleep. I learned to smile. I learned to nod. I learned to talk to a silent God. I learned that boys must not complain, Even when drowning inside pain. Then one day, kindness found my door— A home, warm light, a wooden floor. They gave me food. They gave me care. They gave me love, but you weren’t there. They called me “son.” I tried to be. But part of me was still with thee. In every laugh, in every prayer, I searched the world to find you there. Sister, wherever life has led, Wherever you rest your tired head, I hope your days are soft and kind, Free from the chains I left behind. I hope you’re safe. I hope you’re strong. I hope you learned where you belong. I hope you never doubt your worth, That you were treasure from your birth. If someday stars bring you my name, Know I loved you just the same. Across all time, across all years, Across all loss, across all tears. I made it through. I learned to live. But half my heart, I’ll always give To that small girl in tattered dress Who taught me what love means in distress. And if we meet beyond this life, Beyond the trains, beyond the strife, I’ll hold your hand and never part— No iron road can break that heart.