the question isn't to hop the train early
rather to hop the train late and still pretend everything is the same
granted the scenery is different and the staring faces persist
but the destination remains unchanged
and the passengers still pay the fare

the mundane hum of metal on tracks stirs whirlwinds of fantasy in your head
you try hard to remain focused,
but not staring at the funny looking kid across from you 
is proving to be a more difficult task by the minute
so you allow the whizzing city lights to lull you to sleep
and dreams take flight on hidden hopes of what will come

through the window, the sun's rays bid farewell
and the cars shake violently as the other passengers 
succumb to the siren's night cry 
hours elapse
sounds of coughing and wheezing ring out in the darkness
your eyes slowly open
they catch a passing glimpse of a sign that reads: Neustadt - 97 km
you realize you've missed your stop
oddly though, you begin to wonder if that was ever your destination.