I close my eyes

and as I doze

years melt away

I see as clear

as that distant day

the railway station

steam trains abound

promise of travel

to distant towns

the sight and sound

of the mighty engines

as they rhythmically

hiss, chuff, whistle

and clank their way

on the bright iron rails

midst billowing clouds

starting, ending,

continuing

their long journeys

and I wish I could go.

I run to watch

a departing train

and, caught in the

steam and smoke

from the funnel

as it passes

under the footbridge

in the park

breathe it deep

for that magical smell

like a magical spell

which transports me

miles away

if I close my eyes.

Mam licks her handkerchief

to remove black smuts

from my face

and we walk back home

‘til next time