Tony Hargreaves Poet Blank verse

A BLACKPOOL TRAM

A distant mumble, a muffled drum roll. 
Seconds on, come the serious decibels. 
Heavy rumbling with sharp percussions. 
Squeal of the steel; wheel scraping on the rail. 
Metal clatter loudens then dies to silence.
Spent fares alight and new fares climb aboard. 

Ting ting. The cream and green is off again, 
Above it, brief flashes of lightning blue 
As straying volts are lost to salty air. 
Soon far off the rumbling fading away.

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Gary Radice December 19, 2023 at 6:04 AM For all of you reading this who have never heard of Blackpool trams, let alone have one pass you as it heads towards Starr Gate on Blackpool promenade, believe me when I say that Tony's poem nails the sights and sounds of those old trams to a tee. Tony, congratulations. Just wonderful. Great imagery. My favourite line is "Squeal of steel; wheel scrape on rail". Cheers - Gary Gary Radice December 19, 2023 at 11:12 AM The last time I was in Blackpool many of the older trams had sadly been replaced (in the last couple of years or so) with new ones that hardly make a noise at all :( ..but they still run a few heritage trams thankfuly. All the best! Cheers - Gary Tony Hargreaves December 19, 2023 at 9:57 AM Hi Gary. Very many thanks for your comment and delighted you enjoyed the images. I have fond memories of Blackpool, the trams, the Tower Ballroom etc. I can visualise them now. We would often go there as lived not far away. Not been for a few years but must visit again when comes the summer. And once again ride on the cream and green. All the best for Christmas and the New Year. Tony.

Kim Rodrigues December 19, 2023 at 5:45 AM Especially love the first verse! Caught my attention! Tony Hargreaves December 19, 2023 at 10:14 AM Thanks Kim. Those trams had unique sounds. I can hear them now. All the best for Christmas and New Year. Tony