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Train of Thought
by
Rusty Broadspear
This is between the two of us……..
Echoing cacophony; ‘twas a busy station
Continuous plumes of steam
Caused a ground fog
Cutting the crowds off at the knees.
Smiles so rare, fury was frequent.
An engine shrieked it’s departure
Then with rhythmic woofs
It clanked and chuffed into motion.
Old Mother Engine,
Her family duly followed.
So let’s sit on the bench by the café…..
A female arm waved a scarf
To a soul within the jelly of folk.
Someone ran alongside
Brandishing a brolly, a case and a paper
His coat flapped
Young lads wearing spats, clapped
And then he fell,
His case slid off the platform
Under the wheels.
He’d missed his train.
So, please love, explain what’s changed…..
A black porter pushed a trolley,
His uniform was incomplete,
Minus hat, coat unbuttoned.
Luggage ready to spill.
Two urchins sat dangle legged
On the front.
The porter whistled and smiled.
Is that possible?
The urchins dismounted, ran off
With a suitcase each in hand.
But we are still so steeped in love……
The porter didn’t notice.
A man in a bowler
Threw a bicycle on top of his load.
He saluted the man
Whistling and smiling.
The whole caboogle disappeared
Into the soupy maelstrom.
Two coppers strolled by
Whistles at the ready,
They were talking football.
So therefore, let’s take the train together……..
So many station announcements,
Like bird song in the countryside,
Highs and lows, intermittent,
Background noise. Pipe tobacco
With sweet perfumes and body odour
Terminated an unwelcome ambience.
Pigeons in the lofty rafters
Lived their lives, dived for crumbs,
Looked down mockingly
Whilst perching and roosting.
Such a sad moment to stay with us both forever……….
Dark glasses, white stick, beard,
Grey shirt, dinner jacket, crooked bow tie,
Tattered trousers, rubber toeless boots,
Pushing a perambulator
Filled with untold cheapness,
Trailing an evil odour,
Held a sign, that read,
‘I saved you, now you save me’
A young woman burdened with belongings,
Offered a halfpenny – he took it.
I bow to your wonderment and wise words…….
A table nearby held two businessmen,
Or doctors or foreigners in politics.
They were joined by a lady
And her entourage, and they stood
And kissed her, ordered her a tea.
She welcomed their attention.
She was beautiful ‘neath so much rouge.
Their talk was drowned
With knowing looks.
Papers passed between them.
I accept your decision, your carriage awaits,
I will carry your luggage
And see you aboard
For not only am I your lover……………
I am your driver.
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