To the editor:

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Yes railroads are great, except when they’re not.

In the Adirondack forest, the tourist train is fraught.

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Remsen to Lake Placid, their 119-mile Cloud Nine,

Having failed for years to deliver, they still want all that line.

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Claim a zillion miles per gallon, and flowers blooming on their path,

but folks choke on all their railroad soot, herbicide their aftermath.

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Although they rarely venture inside the Blue Line’s route,

Their demand for more tax money is their only absolute.

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Their promises forgotten, like sandcastles on the beach,

Their rail service to Big Moose a clear case of overreach.

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They claim a long, great history which they do not own,

Like the rooster who claims his crowing causes sunrise all alone.

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Their demand for sixteen million bucks to replace those rotted ties,

Then taxpayer subsidies expected, like a burger comes with fries.

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They aspire to a tedious route that is double any other,

No evidence it’s feasible, but about that you needn’t bother.

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They share little information ‘cept required income tax,

Their plans just dreams of hobbyists who wear striped railroad caps.

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But a rail trail is a special thing to draw people from all around.

Ride a few miles, meals, a room, and spend money in your downtown.

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Unlike a slow-motion tourist train, all day many miles from your store,

They’re on that train, with diesel on the brain, trying not to loudly snore.

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Governor Cuomo, whatever you do, don’t fall for their old story,

Don’t give that railroad one more dollar, a hundred more obligatory.

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They bit your hand when they went to court, and your generous deal is off.

The far-fetched plans of these choo-choo fans worthy only of your scoff.

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Build the trail, Lake Placid to Old Forge, draw tourists to this state land.

They’ll come and stay, and spend and play, it’s a very much better plan.

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David Banks

Rockville, Maryland

Formerly of Lake Clear

Former board member, Adirondack Recreational Trail Advocates