Caught Her On the Fly

Freight train is moving out; a big black Mally s’ pulling lead The Mally’s fire s’ getting hot; she s’ belching smoke an’ blowing steam Her big drivers ah’ drumming out a rolling rhythmic beat Whistle blowing that lonesome wailing moan; a warning for all to heed Caught her on the fly; grabbed a gon and rode it through the night It’s a gondola on a sunny day; a side door Pullman in the rain For a drifter on the bum; tis the life he s’ chosen to lead The rhythm of the rails induces sleep; till the early morning light Pack slung or’ his shoulder, got it all bundled up tight Tis a cardboard mattress, newsprint blankets; just a few tin can cup; bent lid spoon all tucked well inside Hopped to a jungle; further on down the line, sun was shining bright Smelt the aroma of a steaming jungle pot; tis purely a delight Pulled up a bucket to set a spell; dips him a cup of that steaming jungle stew savors the flavors; up to his fill; jaws a bit, seeking events along the rails Will catch another slow mover again; when the time seems just right An explanation: This is from observation of these “hobo type individuals” as a result of my having worked in large rail centers where railroads merge many years ago. The “big black Mally” refers to a type of large steam locomotive. “The jungle” refers to an area where these individuals could rest a spell before moving on. A “jungle pot” refers to a small barrel that served a cooking vessel that always seemed to be steaming with a stew of whatever these folks could beg barrow or steal to contribute.