Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE POPPY-LAND EXPRESS, by EDGAR WADE ABBOT


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE POPPY-LAND EXPRESS, by                    
First Line: The first train starts at six p.M
Last Line: "o'er the gentle engineer."
Variant Title(s): Rapid Transit
Subject(s): Railroads; Sleep; Railways; Trains


The first train leaves at six P. M.
For the land where the poppy blows;
And mother dear is the engineer,
And the passenger laughs and crows.

The palace-car is the mother's arms;
The whistle, a low sweet strain;
The passenger winks and nods and blinks,
And goes to sleep in the train.

At eight P. M. the next train starts
For the Poppy-Land afar;
The summons clear falls on the ear;
"All aboard for the sleeping-car."

But what is the fare to Poppy-Land?
I hope it is not too dear;
The fare is this, a hug and a kiss,
And it's paid to the engineer.

So I ask of Him who children took
On His knee in kindness great:
"Take charge, I pray, of the trains each day
That leave at six and eight."

"Keep watch of the passengers," thus I pray,
"For to me they are very dear,
And special ward, O gracious Lord,
O'er the gentle engineer."





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