A Load of Luggage

 

Railways and their stations full of steam and soot

Deafening the noise as porters shouted and whistles blew

We heaved and pushed to climb aboard the express

Wearing our uniforms with cases and kitbags encumbered

Destined for camps, ports and airfields in remote places

Never sufficient seating we sat in narrow corridors

Beneath dimmed lights as others struggled by

Then came Crewe, that Mecca for change

All Change came the cry, no digital boards in those days

Back onto a platform we fell in search of a connection

Which platform for Euston I asked a passerby

Over there, hurry it is about to leave

Another mad dash, my cap askew as I ran

The luxury of a seat in a compartment

Such bliss as I placed my bags aloft and sat back

The train shuddered forward and gathered speed

What time are we in London I asked a lady opposite

London she gasped. This is non stop to Bristol Temple Meads

Hells Bells I cried. I'll be AWOL

I have to be in Kent by 23.59 or its the nick