On the Road with Silver John: "The Little Black Train"

[For previous ballads about the balladeer, click the "On the Road with Silver John" label under Features in the right sidebar.]


"The Little Black Train"

There's plenty of libation and excitement
At the outdoor party Miss Donie Carawan throws,
But also an underlying unease that only intensifies
When a "wild and lonely whistle" blows.

It's the little black train with coffin-shaped cars
Approaching on an ominous midnight run.
John will need his guitar and ingenuity to stop the engine
From carrying off Donie for all the ill she's done.


Manly Wade Wellman's short story "The Little Black Train" can be found in Owls Hoot in the Daytime & Other Omens.