An Engineer's Epitaph Poem by Martin Ward

An Engineer's Epitaph
(Nottingham Road Cemetery, Derby)

Work of an unknown poet, transcribed
by Martin Ward

My engine now is cold and still,
No water does my boiler fill;
My coke affords its flame no more,
My days of usefulness are o'er.

My wheels deny their noted speed,
No more my guiding band they need;
My whistle, too, has lost its tone,
Its shrill and thrilling sounds are gone.

My valves are now thrown open wide;
My flanges all refuse to guide.
My clacks also, though once so strong,
Refuse to aid the busy throng.

No more I feel each urging breath;
My steam is now condensed in death.
Life's railway o'er, each station passed;
In death I'm stopped and rest at last.

Farewell, dear friends, and cease to weep:
In Christ I'm safe; in Him I sleep.