GOOD OLD BRITISH RAIL
(circa 1966)

CLICK CLACK

the old train
rumbles
along
the track
“Wallington
Wadden
and
West Croyden”
the Indian
conductor
yells in his
sing song
tone
he clips my
ticket
fervently
and tips
his cap-
I always
had a
thing
for
conductors
especially
Indians

CLICK CLACK

feet upon
the seat
I watch
men
bowler
hats
hiding
behind
their
“times”
pretending
to read

their brief
cases
pressed
between
lanky
perfectly
creased
knees
they look
at me
sideways
uneasy
with
my
hippie
garb
don’t they
have
daughters
like
me?
with
long
flowing
skirt

boots
bangles
jangling
long hair
and
bangs

CLICK CLACK

old ladies
raincoats
and
chunky
shoes
clutching
net
shopping
bags
looking
for
bargains

rich folk
looking
to shop

Harrods
get the
same
china
as her
majesty
the queen
a human
smorgasbord
swaying
back
and forth

CLICK CLACK

an
anti-
maccasar
behind
my
head
un-fog
the
window
seeing
row
houses
tool
sheds
green
yards
laundry
blowing
in the wet
breeze
factories
car lots
taller and
taller
buildings

CLICK CLACK

HISSS

the engine
lets
off steam

“WATERLOO
end of
the line
watch
your step
disembark
ladies
and gents.”

THE ENGINE SIGHS

I hurry the
long platform
to the red
Underground
sign
down long
escalators
to the belly
of the earth
I hurry to be
on

Carnaby Street
where it’s
all about

to
happen
for me.

                         Ana Christy

http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2010/07/trains-and-railways-extravaganza-part-2.html