PRAIRIE TRAIN
Two miles long thirty miles an hour
Ten thousand tons of steel and grain:
Enough to fill a Port Arthur laker,
Hundred fifty cars, two-unit-train.
The day feels the rumble of a thousand
Wheels at the crossing while you yawn.
Haunted night-wail at towns and
After the long horn - long gone.
Rolling past the salt flats at Chaplin
Over the coteau, Moose Jaw bound.
Change engineers - chat and grin.
Cars a-clatter - welcome sound.
Half a continent’s miles in three days
Minor miracle Canadian lifeblood.
Small town every ten miles away
Loves your passing: it’s understood.