SIDERODROMOPHOBIA HYPNOTHERAPHY

(Siderodromophobia–fear of trains or railways)

In the soothing eddy 
of the therapist’s voice, he says
tonight we’re driving to your fear, 
you’ll face it, overcome it—
see life larger than death, 
white light brighter, brighter…
till perfect darkness reappears. 

The screaming headlight nears
then a train’s ditch lights appear 
and he slams the Mercedes 
into gear, races ahead through 
the deafening train horn. Light 
saturates my retina, the traversed 
train tracks rack my back, and then 
I hear him again, and now on three, 
you’ll be back, relaxed, 
your fear behind you.

I wonder if he’ll bill me for an office visit. 

Richard L. Matta grew up in New York’s rustic Hudson Valley, attended Notre Dame, and now lives in San Diego with his golden-doodle dog. When not catering to the dog or spending time by the Bay, he writes. Some of his work is found in Ancient Paths, Dewdrop, New Verse News, and Healing Muse.