WOW! Really surprised by a piece of mail yesterday…letter from DOWNHOME Magazine (Newfoundland) with $500.00 in coupons. Seems I won the ”Submission of the Year for 2021” as voted by their readers for my poem “The Travel Coach” which was printed in the February 2021 edition. I was happy when they published it but much more so now, also humbled and grateful to those who voted for me; I didn’t even know I was being considered. I have been a subscriber of this great little magazine since it started many years ago, keeps me in touch with my roots. I will have fun spending this windfall with the help of my family; there are some very nice things which you can see for yourself by visiting their website shopDOWNHOME.com . Also while you’re there you may like to check out my book “UP IN THE BOTTOM…" A Newfoundlander’s Life Journey”. If you don’t already have a copy, it’s in the autobiography section. Thank you DOWNHOME and a special THANK YOU to your readers!

The Travel Coach

by Noel Edward Martin

March 20, 2020

The travel coach that is my life, the one I do not drive,

Records only the time one leaves, but not when you arrive,

Some passengers I started with, got off along the route,

Many departures I have mourned, when friend or kin got out,

Others stepped on from time to time, the bus was always full,

Newcomers were a treat to see, the ride was never dull.

The ones I came to know the best, sat nearest to my seat,

While others sitting further back, I rarely chanced to meet,

Close by, or far, there was not one, but had a part to play,

Each making my ride more interesting, all along the way,

Your company was valued and I want you all to know,

How much that I will miss you, when it is my turn to go.

I’m sorry if at certain times, I've been a little curt,

Please understand ’twas not my aim to cause you any hurt,

I understand if you, yourself, have sometimes been the same,

It’s, part of being human, I release you from all blame,

Take time to rest, some time to talk, and time to read a book,

There’s a window there beside you, be sure to take a look.

Seems the Driver has chosen, to keep me a while more,

So let’s enjoy the ride that’s left, ere we step out the door!

Some advice to new arrivals surrounding us these days,

Get to know your fellow man, is a policy that pays,

So if you can turn off that bloody phone I ask please do,

Because some lonely passenger would love to talk to you.

Doesn’t matter what you’re wearing, the colour of your skin

How much money in your purse, the social group you’re in,

Or how you choose to worship God; be nice to one another,

Look kindly on your fellow man; treat each one as your brother,

We ride this bus together, when your stop will be, can’t tell,

Be happy and trust the Driver, have faith that all is well!