The Brightline Experience Poem by Deanna Samuels

Wanted to get to Boca from Orlando,
needed to find the best way without a car.
Investigated and discovered a new rail line,
Brightline Rail, Orlando to Miami, stops at Boca.

Boca, only a few miles from my journey's end
would appear to be the perfect solution.
Purchased tickets on line without much hassle,
good instructions, dates all set, printed out.

The morning came, booked an Uber
which dropped me off at the bright new station.
Helpful assistants, a security bag check.
Roomy wait lounge, snacks and useful travel items.

Train approached, announcement to board,
proceeded to train, each coach numbered clearly.
No trouble finding my designated twin seat
giving plenty of room, with wifi pins and upper storage.

At scheduled time, train slowly moved from station
gradually picking up speed, leaving Orlando behind.
The outlook as any journey in inland Florida,
passes by roadways, towns, marshlands, trees and lakes.

Nothing unusual to see, nothing extraordinary to note,
stores, shops, hotels, parks, golf links, car lots,
trailer communes, marine storage, filling stations.
Just everyday life for the inhabitants as train whizzes by.

The ride is smooth, atmosphere quiet on board,
with most passengers using their iPhones or laptops
while others either dozing or staring through window.
Me too, but jotting down this first experience of Brightline.


Written on the Brightline Train, Florida - 20th October 2025.