THE STRANGER IN THE PARLOR CAR

by Larry Kilham

Chugging through echoing tunnels

and over the awesome trestles

the proud old steam engine

bound for Chama chugs and whistles.

Hardy folk stand in the gondola

happy families cluster in the coaches

but today the parlor car has but one fare -

the tall stranger from Nacogdoches.

The stranger strides past the waiting crowd

at Chama’s old-time station.

He sports a perfectly cut suit and a ten-gallon hat

but avoids casual conversation.

The stranger saunters into the Boxcar saloon

and asks for the best place to stay.

Everyone all agrees, “Go to the Parlor Car B&B,

located just a stone’s throw away.”

There’s a rap rap on the door

as Wendy peers through the glass

“Bonsall, dear, we have a visitor

and he’s certainly a man of class.”

The stranger doffs his hat

and smoothly says, “Evening, Ma’am,

what luck I’ve found your place!

Do you have a room for a traveling man?”

“We do. Please enjoy our finest suite.”

The stranger notes the elegant interior

with furnishings by cultured hosts.

“Looks mighty fine. Sure wish I could stay longer.”

A letter arrived for Wendy and Bonsall

signed by the governor of Texas

saying in part, “Your B&B is the best

lil ol’ hotel west of the Pecos.”