Steam Train Ride

The whistle blows, the chugging starts -
A steam train ride in France -
For those who like to try things 
From the past, this is your chance.

Since when it’s time to turn around,
The leading car’s unlatched
And driven to a turntable
Before it’s reattached.

The locomotive then gets cranked,
By hand! one circle ‘round.
The engineer next drives to where
The once-caboose is found.

The train is reconnected
And goes back the way it came,
Passing trees and giant rock formations,
Looking all the same.

An aqueduct appears and there’s 
An eagle in the sky,
But what impresses most on board
As we go zipping by 

Is a trio by the river,
Down below and quickly viewed,
Being very French, relaxing 
Near the water, in the nude.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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Callus Avatar
July 15, 2024 at 1:59 AM
I enjoyed this poem, Ilene, and it took me back many years when I first went to Italy and we choked on smoke that filled the carriage when the train was going through a tunnel (I bet I still have soot in my lungs lol). ~ Regards // paul
Wolf Avatar
July 14, 2024 at 7:16 PM
Cute ending to another inventive write, Ilene. Thanks, Gershon
M  Avatar
July 14, 2024 at 6:19 AM
Haha bet you didn’t expect that Ilene!! Fun poem with a funny ending!! Debx
Brotherton Avatar
July 14, 2024 at 6:02 AM
A surprise ending for sure. After reading your wonderful poem, the train will be full of tourists and photographers hoping to see (nature) at its best.
Allison Avatar
July 14, 2024 at 5:30 AM
you sure made me smile about the skinny dippers lol - we have a wonderful steam railway here on the Island - you should pop across the channel and visit us - Ive just made fruit scones and a lemon tart for our visitor this afternoon lol:-) hugs jan xx
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