That Faraway Place by Frances Boyle

Poem name: That Faraway Place Poet name: Frances Boyle Poem begins: Slow pace of travel, your luggage is packed for a longer sojourn, lavender sprigs between the folds of skirts and blouses. Trunks, solid and strapped, immobile, for porters to lift and heave, not finespun you. Slow build to departure, weeks of mending, tatting cuffs, adjusting hems and lapels to the fashion of that faraway place—tomorrow. No wheels or escalators propel you into your future life. No promise of quick return. The gathering at the platform—all your family, your friends from school. A hush filled with steam and chuff as your destiny moves massive towards you, its metal wheels on metal track. The neat steps placed, dusty travelers descend with displaced faces. Last press of bodies, mother’s tear-dappled cheek, father’s hint of spice. You rise quick, skirt edge lifted, pull away to the mothdance of handkerchiefs below your window. End of poem. Credits: Copyright © Frances Boyle An earlier version of “That Faraway Place” was published (as “Massive”) in Ottawater (Issue 16, October 2020). It will be included in Openwork and Limestone by Frances Boyle, forthcoming with Frontenac House, Fall 2022. Frances Boyle’s books include This White Nest (poetry, Quattro Books 2019) and Seeking Shade (short stories, The Porcupine’s Quill, 2020) shortlisted for the Danuta Gleed and ReLit Awards and winner of a Miramichi Reader Very Best! Award. Her third book of poetry, Openwork and Limestone will be published in 2022. Recent and forthcoming work appears in Blackbird, Paris Lit Up, Madrigal, The New Quarterly and elsewhere. Originally from Regina, Frances has long lived in Ottawa.