London Journey Fascination

LONDON JOURNEY FASCINATION First time on a mainline LNER train * When you’re five’s a signal whistle For six hours Kings Cross to Newcastle ** Sightseeing. Walk along platform to attain The exit past the loco at the buffers: In a forest of knees and suitcases, The oiled steel engine’s grace is Close enough to touch: my mother suffers My adoration of its black livery And emblazoned gold name “Woodcock”. The time on the gigantic station clock Shows our speedy, safe and prompt delivery. Huge driving wheels and pistons are higher Than my five-year-old frame. Somebody cares well for that engine of fame That steel rail non-stop flier. Oh the trip is an exciting drama I have comics to read and sandwiches and tea But what never ceases to fascinate me Is the moving view and panorama - Oncoming trains go flashing by Wheels a-roar and whistles blare Nothing quite like this to compare Too fast even for the adoring eye; Birds sitting on the telephone wires, Like musical notes in an unsung air, Unending composition, unfinished movement fair, From one end of the country to the others; The journey long stayed in my memory Made me a traveller inveterate. Impact on me impossible to over-rate - Imbued with the notion of discovery. ………………………………………………… Note: * LNER = London and North Eastern Railway ** Kings Cross = London mainline terminal station