Westwards 1951 Poem by nigel colledge

Westwards 1951

Dreary brick buildings, line the track
War torn homes, damaged by flack
New factory after factory, sturdy and strong
Reading, Newbury Pewsey, we're speeding along
Bridge after bridge we keep on going
Grey stations, flash by, names unknowing
Fields of green or golden waist high
Crows line the trees, unheard skylarks sing in the sky

Westwards speeding, the sun blinding
Now slowing, now stopping screeching and grinding
View of the horse, on Westbury Hill
Black soot spots through carriage window spill
Coal and cigarette smoke, steal our air
Body odours and orange peel, stink beyond compare
Children who are crying, endure the heat
Two hours later, with a grind we're back with the beat

Racing along now, sparks fly by
Taunton behind us, no scrumpy to try
Fields with cattle, meadows with sheep
Goodbye to Tiverton, quick time to keep
We stop at Exeter, ancient building glimmers
Brunel did well, the sea flat and shimmers
Collect our luggage now as we alight
Torquay for a fortnight, what a delight