"That's not steam son it's just a cloud."

the boy had shouted "it's coming Dad!"

his eagerness held back like a signal. 

"It won't be long," his father said,

"don't stand near the edge now mind "

(for flesh and bone's no match for metal)

 

"I can see it now under a bridge!"

and sure enough the smoke uncoiled

a face like a bullseye wreathed and proud,

the boy said "I can't hear it yet - "

"No it's coasting on the flat."

Just then a burst of rain made sleepers shine

the track like strings of silver

the distant loco gaining ground. 

 

Then the mother's voice

"don't stand too close, it's wet and slippy!"

but neither heard as the engine ran past

the sky went dark as against the sky

the London - bound went hurtling by. 

.