I once read my paper on the train
My disguise observing others there
I did try looking at the window
but my subjects caught me "en plein air"
At times a girl would lower her eyes
but most, annoyed would stare back at me,
frown, look down then face the other way
Yet others grinned like a chimpanzee
Whilst I would pretend now deep in thought
as though I was rapt in morning's news
should she offer a sweet winsome smile
rightly nod then turn to paper's views
I don't do it now, I've had my fun
Finally I found my honeybun
Image found at www.google.com
When I was young and brother same mind
We would play together, things to find
But got addicted to spotting trains
Check steam loco's number...took no brains
We'd cycle miles to reach the main line
Sit on a bridge to while away time
Waiting for express trains or stoppers
Wave at drivers with empty hoppers
We'd check the loco's numbers on lists
And mark guide in our grubby fists
Great when we saw engine very first time
Faces often spattered with soot and grime
But hunger struck us boys as sun set
Rode back home on roads did not fret
Traffic was light for there were few cars
Cycling one handed eating Mars bars
We often took back roads just for fun
Splashing through fords in setting sun
Rattling on timber bridges now long gone
Shortly after World War 2 was won
Miss those days shrouded in smoke and steam
When boys found own pastimes, what a dream
We weren't in front of a computer screen
But staring at express to Aberdeen
Image found at https://omotg.com/europe/steaming-across-tuscany/
I sat down and closed my eyes
At last the journey had begun
Slowly at first the platform left behind
Past the signals, past the sheds
Clickity clack over the tracks
Whoosh as a train passed us
Going the other way
We slowly left the suburbs
Trees, fields and reservoirs to see
Giant power lines striding over us all
Past the rivers, past the roads
Clickity clack over the tracks
Whistle though the station
Boy waves us on our way
Screaming now though the farmland
Cattle skitter away in fear
Sending flocks of birds soaring in the sky
Clanging sounds at the road crossing
My head nods as eyes close slowly
I get used to the the rhythm
And see you in my dreams
The train is now slowing down
I can just hear the announcement
"Barnstaple, Barnstaple" That is my stop!
I stir myself, clutch my suitcase
Glance out the window, wondering
If you'll be there to meet me
I do hope that you will
Image found at www.blogpreston.co.uk
