Steam

 

For my brother in law Phil, a train enthusiast

Steam

Standing, waiting on a bridge or station

Waiting for steam to come by,

Get that number, snap that moment

These are the giants that changed our world 

Still chugging by.

Along Dartmouth Estuary, Ffestiniog, West Highland Glenfinnian Viaduct.

Take the Flying Scotsman,  visit the famous Mallard,

Get to stand on the footplate, blow the whistle, 

You might just be in luck.

Now not just steam, The Orient Express of course would be very special, 

and any chance to step aboard the Euro Star, 

TGV, Rocky Mountaineer, Blue or Bullet train, Swiss Mountain railway, 

Trans Siberian, or just the good old GWR.

For the anoraks join the club, volunteer at a local narrow gauge, write a book, follow Portillo on the tele, lay out a track at home, pretend it's for your grandchild,

In the garden, in the loft, invite your buddies round with their models, wear the cap if you are really keen,

But a word of warning, there's many a railway widow  that says with  feeling, they're great to go on, but i wish you didnt have the gene.

... I've nearly arrived, the 3.02 from Waterloo, delayed, signal failure, leaves on line, bus transfer due to upgrade,  late change of platform, oh and the lift doesn't work....

Of course It  make sense if you have time and  might be greener  to  

get off the roads,  and on a train, 

try a sleeper, take a bike, do some work if you really have to, or have a chat, 

read a book, take a nap,

And yes, simply let the train take the strain.