We all, at one time or another sit on the bench in the terminal, but we must choose the trains upon which we ride .......

THE LAST TRAIN TO THE PROMISED LAND

The man snuffed his cigarette and blew the last precious breath into the cold chill of the night air, The dim smog obscured the features of an approaching stranger. The man scooted to allow this other shape to seat himself. The newcomer stuck out a hand. "Hi! Name's Loyd, Cristopher Loyd. Call me Chris."

"Fine, Chris. Joe Mann."

"You just going to work, or are you on your way far?" Chris asked.

Joe sighed. "Goin' long 'way. If my train ever comes. If this ticket's any good." He glanced at the slip of paper in his wallet, then he replaced in his rear pocket. "Nearly spent all my life to pay for that."

"Where are you going?"

"The land of milk and honey." Joe thought of many places that fit that description: America, California and Alaska in the 1800's, and his own preference, Israel.

"Ahhhh" Said Chris, "happiness." He paused, then asked the man
beside him, "Been waiting long?"

"Looooooooooong." Joe had a glassy look-in his eyes. Realizing this, he said suddenly, to break the trance, "You?" He realized that Chris had just arrived and they both laughed. Joe added, "This ticket may not be good. I'm waiting for a friend to bring me. a new ticket."

"I'm afraid your train will never come, or your friend either." Chris leafed to the last part of his black leather-bound train schedule. "My friend has already picked up my ticket."

"Where is it?"

"It's paid for. The conductor knows me on sight. I can get you another ticket, if you like."

"No, thanks, I'll wait."

"But you must!!!"

"I'll wait !!!" Joe screamed angrily.

"What happens when the train station ceases to be?" Chris pleaded.

"That can't happen until my friend comes with my ticket."

"But he has already come! I can show you how to get another
ticket."

Joe was hot with fury. He drew a knife, "Just leave me alone."

"Alright, man, alright!" Chris backed slowly away, his hand in front of him, protectively.

A train screeched to a halt. "Seeya, Joe!" He disappeared onto
the train, which started to roll down the tracks.

Joe Mann stayed on the bench, and lit another cigarette. A light flashed in the eastern sky, and the bulldozers started in. And there were no more trains.