Notes About The Poem

Listen to poem:

The Quilpie Flyer

There was this little train in Queensland
Quilpie Flyer was the name
Ran from Charleville to Quilpie
Made it every day the same

It was the Daily Mail Train
With a carriage at the back
Taking Ringers and Bush workers
Who went further down the track

A small steam engine for the traction
Have to tell you it was fast
The trip sure was all action
It really was  a blast

The top speed when in motion
Maybe sixty miles an hour
Did not stop long at each station
Dropping mail, and meat, and flour

Had an unequaled reputation
As the fastest in the land
Charleville to Quilpie Station
The record sure to stand



This train ran up to the early 60s. It did the 215Klms trip, with 5 stops in two and a half hours. When it was at a station, a quick run up to the engine, and you could get a billy full of boiling water from the engine, for tea. As the train moved off,  jump back on the passenger carriage as it went past. The driver would watch you on, before hitting the acceleration.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Ekechukwu Avatar
January 9, 2025 at 2:29 PM
This is so wonderful like one of its kind. I can see the imagery and se myself in the station doing exactly that ...well written and well recorded. Happy new year
Mbaht Avatar
December 5, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Thank you Bob, appreciate the comment very much
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace