Countersigned Poems | Examples

Thanks I Owe

We boarded a train to King's Cross
with connections to Gatwick and onward.
Just passed Thirsk I noticed a loss.
Where was my briefcase? I felt kippered.

No tickets. No passports. What next?
We'd have to get off at York and return
to Northallerton. I was utterly vexed.
Then we found Kevin and shared our concern.

He told us the time (also the platform)
just half-an-hour hence. How I was chilled
numb with anxiety, lost in a storm,
would all we had planned for not be fulfilled?

Then Kevin found us, explaining he'd phoned
Northallerton ticket office – it was there.
Our holiday was no longer postponed;
what relief. There wasn't even a fare,

for Kevin countersigned both our tickets.
Off to Canada we were on our way.
Arriving home it was time for credits,
how to thank Kevin for saving the day?

So the rail company's website I found
but only a form for complaints to make.
There I conveyed our gratitude profound
for Kevin's support after my mistake.

But who was the stranger who handed in
my valued possessions for safe keeping?
               never to know
               the thanks I owe.