We join the queue at the station
all excited to ride the steam train.
We file out onto the platform
gasping in unison at the sight
of the bottle-green engine
and the Pullman carriages.
We stare in wonder and awe at
the engine and the carriages,
these relics from another era,
like the ruins of an ancient castle
or the dusty findings of an
archaeological dig.
Clouds of steam erupt from the engine
billowing into the air,
suddenly filling the narrow platform
stinging our eyes as we cough and laugh.
Still grinning like children about to finish
for their summer holidays
we step into the carriages.
The tables are covered in white table cloth,
the cups and saucers bear the red railway logo.
I could imagine a Belgian detective
investigating a murder
in such a carriage.
As the train pulls away I spot
a couple walking down the platform
wearing coats and hats, arm in arm,
their brief encounter
either starting or ending.
The man sitting facing me has grey hair
and tears in his eyes.
I sense it is not the engine
smoke making his eyes water.
As the train chugs away down the tracks
he says with a sentimental smile
‘This takes me back.’
with a little boy glint in his eye.
-
Author:
Tom Dylan (
Offline) - Published: August 8th, 2024 05:10
- Comment from author about the poem: Inspired by a recent trip on the East Lancashire Railway.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 46
- Users favorite of this poem: Cassie58, Accidental Poet
Offline)
Comments13
I am that man with (perhaps a little) grey hair. Pleased to meet you Tom.
Took me back - many thanks.
Haha, yeah, good to see you, Dave. The trip on the East Lancs railway was so good. The steam train, the views, the three course meal and the beer. All the boxes ticked. 🙂 Cheers, Tom.
You are now making me very envious, so bugger off for a while, please Tom. 😊
Haha!! Nice one, mate. My work here is done! 🙂
I like Dave am that man remembering when such trains were for the common man not the tourist. A bit of nostalgia here.
Thanks a lot for your comments, Soren. Really appreciated. The steam train ride was so cool. I only know of the steam trains from films.
Very much enjoyed. A trip that I would like to do myself. Steam nostalgia. Great work Tom.
Thanks so much, Cassie. Really appreciated. The steam train was delightful. My wife's parents were reminiscing. 🙂 Cheers, Tom.
Good write, Tom. My uncle worked for the railroad as a Fireman. Took me down late one night and the Engineer let me drive the engine to pick up the water. 75 years later I remember it as though it were yesterday.
What a wonderful memory to have, Jerry. Thanks so much for your comments. Cheers, Tom.
Excellent write
Thanks, Tony. Appreciated. Cheers, Tom.
You're welcome
I got on a steam train. It would not start. An anti-pollution campaigner chucked water on the coal fire in the engine! lol. Am I telling porkies?
Haha! You always make me smile, Orchi. Happy Friday!
It was a pesky eco-warrior that did it. Though climate change is a reality. I'm doing short study on it, related to psychology, and how some folk sort of ignore it, and so it will go away, they think.
I have a thing about steam engines .. and am lucky enough to both see and hear them most days as they trundle along the GWR .. a smashing poem Tom that made me hanker after a time when steam was indeed king .. Neville
You are very lucky, Neville. There's something so captivating about steam trains. Cheers, Tom.
Inefficient, polluting, disgusting.
I still love 'em.
Spot on, Dave. Completely agree. 🙂
Tremendous imagery and use of the senses.
Thanks a lot, my friend. Really appreciate your comments. Cheers, Tom.
In many ways, a time machine. Great write Tom. 😉👍
Yes, AP. Never thought of it like that, but you're so right. Thanks as always for the comments. Cheers, Tom.
"Thier Fathers magic carpets made of steel" says Arlo.
Wonderful words Tom, it brings back such wonderful memories.
Andy
You make this scene come to life.
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