On Tuesday 18th of January 1977 a morning suburban train came around the corner at
Granville Railway Station and collided with the road bridge supports. The train came off
the tracks and turned over. The Bridge collapsed on top of the carriages. It remains the
worst rail disaster in Australian History. 84 people died including an unborn child.
Rosa: Oh goodness what just happened. My head hurts am I bleeding?
Phillip: The train crashed. But I think we are allright. It’s hard to tell.
Rosa: I am sorry to be a bother but my head is bleeding.
Phillip: I have a hankerchief it that will help.
Rosa: Yes of course. Thank you so much. Oh that’s better.
Phillip: I guess we should stay calm. I’m not sure what to do in this situation.
I never even been in a car crash.
Rosa: Yes we should stay calm. The rescue teams will be here soon I can hear
the sirens in the distance. We can prayer if you like. It doesn’t look like
we’ll be going anywhere both ends of the carriage are blocked.
Phillip: Oh I’m not much for prayers. But if you wish.
Rosa: Hold my hand please. I’m a little scared
“ Oh Gentle Jesus look down on us this day,
This day when trouble is knocking at our door.
Protect Phillip and myself from harm.
Oh please bless us with your divine mercy,
That we might return to our families.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit” Amen
Phillip: That was lovely. Thank you. Well the smoke seems to have settled.
So should we try to escape?
Rosa: No I think we should wait. I’m still bleeding and your arm is
badly bruised.I see you wrapped your eye with a cloth.
Phillip: Oh I’m allright.
Rosa: So tell me about yourself Phillip.
Phillip: Oh nothing to tell really. I’m an insurance clerk.28 years old.
Not married. No girlfriend. Sagittarius. Bit of a lost cause I’m afraid.
And now I’m trapped in a train carriage with a dozen dead bodies.
Rosa: Sagittarius you say. Well they are usually generous, idealistic with
a good sense of humour. They can be impatient however.
Phillip. I guess that’s true. So what about you Rosa.
Rosa. Well I’m 48 in July and I am a Libra. We are suppose to be
gracious and fair-minded, social and diplomatic.
Oh dear not much of a chance to be social at the moment.
I remember years ago at Katoomba.
The winters there can be brutally cold.
Being fearless kids we would run out into the snow in our bare feet.
Climb the old willow tree and jump of a branch into the snow. What joy.
One day when I was about 18 I realised that the boy next but one was watching me.
He didn’t say anything but it was clear that we were destined to meet.
His name was Abraham. I thought that was a very strong name.
We fell deeply in love. Oh we went everywhere together.
We were both studying at College but that got interruped by
my pregnancy.he wasn’t ready to be a family man.
I wasn’t ready for all that either.He went to Western Australia I think.
My Father found a doctor who would perform an abortion.
I often regret not having that baby.But that’s life I’m afraid.
Another Day Another Trainwreck
Phillip: Oh look Ambulance men coming in the carriage.
Ambulance Man: Carriage 3, check over,12 bodies, No signs of life.Over.
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Author:
David Wakeling (
Offline) - Published: November 25th, 2024 02:02
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 11
- Users favorite of this poem: arqios
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Comments4
Poignancy lives in your words . I really like the feeling that would disaster so closely over so is the pain and whatever brief interim that defines a positive transition I like that it’s a good piece Mr. Wakeling.
Thank I was actually there. I was on the train that had to let everyone off because the wreck ahead.Terrible tragedy really.Thanks for reading
Wow. I heard a train accident outside my apartment some years ago I still hear that screeching noise that made me shiver. I can’t imagine being the goofy man being on the train. Wow sorry you had to go through that my friend but that’s crazy. It’s the story wow I’m still shiver.
Wow, The ending had me stunned. I wasn’t expecting that at all. At least their final moments were together and they weren’t alone. I am still shell shocked David. A great read.
Sorry about that. But it was a terrible tragedy. Thank you for reading and commenting
I didn’t comment on the train tragedy which must have been truly devastating, so taken by your story line. So well done.
Goosebumps and shivers DW…hadn’t thought about Carriage 3 in a long while. I was in upper primary school learning to bowl rather than pitch… was meditating about Granville about a week ago or so wondering if I would ever pay them homage in poetry- you’ve well and truly upped the bar!!! 🤲🏻👍🏻👍🏻 (Liked and faved mate)
Yes it came as a shock.Those sort of things just don't happen in Australia.But of course they do.Thanks for your comments
Excellent
Thank you so much compadre
You're welcome
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