Almost heaven

 Below East River

In the long ago journey to Bluefield

We would know our journey was ending

As we neared the East River Mountain tunnel

Going beneath the hills of Virginia

Opening into the mountains of West Virginia 

Where we'd stop at the Blue Ridge station

To ride the little Red Ridge Runner train

Peering over the cliff to see grandmothers 

Home on Cumberland road below

Impatiently taking the last switchbacks down

Into the town of Bluefield

To point out the familiar landmarks

St Luke's where two were born

The telephone station where another worked

Castlebury where another lived

Pulling up into the steep drive

Across from the dairy and the twins

Parking behind Monnies Black Buick

Beside Uncle Kermit's just introduced 

Mustang

For he was a Ford salesman

And we'd look up upon hearing the

Ridge Runner high above us

It's whistle telling us

Another family had made it under

The East River Mountain

And too would soon be home

Looking up from their side of

Almost heaven.