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." | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: EMILY SPARKS by EDGAR LEE MASTERS NAMING FOR LOVE by HAYDEN CARRUTH THE SMALLISH SON by HAYDEN CARRUTH BIRTHDAY POEM FOR THOMAS HARDY by CECIL DAY LEWIS ON GOING UNNOTICED by ROBERT FROST |