Chasing The Train Poem by Ernestine Northover
Chasing The Train
Two young boys ran down the lane,
Playing the game of chasing the train,
As it puffed its way proudly along,
Chugging out its rhythmic song,
This was of course the age of steam,
Engines were then, an Engineers dream,
Producing such mighty pulling power,
Travelling onwards, hour after hour.
Over steel tracks, tearing up the miles,
Oh, you should have seen the happy smiles,
That emanated, seemingly with such an ease,
From enthusiasts who had tried to squeeze,
Into the carriages all swaying along,
They too just loved the rhythmic song,
And waved to the two young boys in the lane,
Playing the game of chasing the train.
This was inspired by a watercolour of two boys running alongside a steam engine travelling through the countryside parallel with a country lane. The picture was painted by Don Breckon '77.
© Ernestine Northover
I think the idea of writing a piece of poetry or prose based on a piece of art is a brilliant idea.
Ernestine, you've drafted a wonderful image of a simpler time... well done! ! Brian
I really enjoyed this poem. I see the picture cearly! Lecie :)
A wonderful reminder of those halcyon days of steam. Andrew x
Very nicely rhymed and lovely image. Those old trains had such charm - sure were a lot less noisy than the Acela roaring through at 150 mph like a jet plane. -chuck
Ernestine, My brother is helping in a steam locomotive renovation project.At least there will be another one on the tracks shortly at 'The North Deeside Steam Locomotive Preservation Society' Track.Age of steam.Quality and style as depicted through your excellent poem. Best wishes Sid xx.
Those were days of innocence, weren't they, Ernestine. I used to love watching these monstrous beasts sending out their smoke plumes which were cut off by the bridges they went under. And the sound! A majestic poem. Love, Fran xx (Health & Safety didn't get a look-in in those days either!)
There was once a train when I was young, called the Midnight Rebel. Came through home late at night, toot/toot/chug/chug/Aooooooweee and on into New Orleans...I always wished that I was on that train, going somewhere...Loved this poem, E. It sure does bring back a picture of times past....Scarlett
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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12/6/2025 6:21:42 AM # 1.0.0
This is one of the most lovely things I have read, it is so beautiful and for a moment I could see the station and the steam bellowing up then away the train would go across the lush green country side Wow! ! ! Love Duncan x