What A Difference A Day Makes

You wouldn't want to be in a train near Dawlish when this happens. Take my word for it.

Tractor tracks on sunlit fields

travel with me as I glance,

through the once clean glassy pane

of the west-coast high speed train.

Mellow autumn flashes past,

yellow oaks and russet hues.

Swan shaped clouds are sailing by,

graceful in the morning blue.

Yesterday this coastal path

met the wrath of wind-whipped waves.

Driven by a forceful squall,

rollers smashed against the wall.

As the train crawled to a halt,

angry ocean raged and bawled.

crashed the sea-wall as we sat,

mice before a starving cat.

Yin and yang we see at play,

night will always follow day.

Reviews

[Dave]

It is amazing how much the scene can change in such a short period of time. We have been experiencing some rather strange weather changes here. One day its in the 50-60s F. the next -15 F below, with the wind-chill factor. Its not wonder so many of my friends are ill, I thank God I'm not.

Take care - Dave

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Dave. Yes the weather can certainly change quickly as my poem states. A huge contrast between one day and another. I travel on that train quite frequently, as I go to visit my Mum who is in a nursing home in Torbay. Thank you for your response. All good wishes.

Chris

[Dave]

Thank you and the best to you and your Mum. -Dave

[Stella Armour]

i haven't been on a high speed train i don't think lol ... think when i went on trains they still had steam and that lovely smell.
I can see why you were frightened Chris being trapped inside a train on a coastal path with a gale blowing ... a wide awake nightmare :(

[Chris Shaw]

It was hugely scary Stella. The force of the waves as they went over the train. There was complete silence. We were all in shock. I was so pleased when the train started to move again. Thank you for reviewing.

Chris

[Lorry]

I just knew at the mention of high speed on a train wasn't going to last. I know people that have grown up thinking British rail was really called "we apologise for the delay." And don't get me started on Virgin trains.! Too late.
Three times ive used them to go to London, to visit my brother in Norfolk, because you would need an engineering and maths degree to try anything more direct, and three times I got no further than Peterborough. They didnt even blush when the reason was given the train was needed elsewhere.
If you ever see Richard zBranson, kick his arse for me :)

[Chris Shaw]

The train service is dreadful Lorry. Each time my sisters or I try to travel to see my old mum who is in a nursing home in Torbay, summat happens. On this occasion it was the weather, but I've just about heard every excuse. Billions has been spent on improving the track and electrification, but it ain't working. Richard Branson? That pillac who lectures us from his island. Yep he deserves a kicking indeed. No fan of his lol:) Are you snowed in?

Chris

[Lorry]

No, somehow or other, we have been blessed with only a few inches of the pesky stuff. Wind has been bad though, minus ten on thursdayturning to twenty below with wind chill. I have so many layers on that when im leaving the house, I have to turn sideways to get through the door :)

[Chris Shaw]

You have become Michelin man then. Remember him with all those layers. Those temperatures are truly mind boggling. We have weather warnings here today. Snow yesterday, but black ice everywhere. So many car accidents. Keep warm Lorry :)

[Lorry]

You folks are getting the worst of it, from what ive heard on the news. Its just cold here and it looks more like a blanket of crystals than it does snow, but add rain and snow and black ice....time to bolt the door and get the hot choc out. I am showing off a little here, but I got a Whittards hamper for xmas. Best hot choc ever is their hint of orange. And it bloody well should be at a tenner a tub :)

[Chris Shaw]

Blimey. That's the King of chocolate then if you need a mortgage to buy it. Well enjoy it Lorry. How nice getting a Christmas hamper.

[Lorry]

I will. Had to have it tested first, was from an ex. I also tested it out on her :)

[Chris Shaw]

Lmao. I wouldn't trust my ex. Good move on your part :)

[Kelly Scheppers]

You have become a most extraordinary poet in the short time you've been here. I wish you all the best, and thank you for being my friend!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Kelly. You were one of the very first to welcome me here. Glad to have you as a friend also.

Chris

[john l smith]

the lightning crashed
the thunder roared
and all the world was shakin
the little pig rolled up his tail
and ran to save his bacon

[Chris Shaw]

What a cute rhyme Dave. Good to get a poetic response. Made me smile. Thank you.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i think you are right...wouldn't want to be on it...this poem also reminds me of riding the Illinois Central back college...Arlo Guthrie's line...and watching the world between Carbondale and Joliet go passing by...almost all just flat farmland...and probably field mice trying to escape from farm cats.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Jacob. Interesting to hear about Arlo Guthrie's line. I do enjoy travelling by train on most occasions :)

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Think I recall this from the national news. Train tracks left hanging as the base was washed into the raging sea. Nicely sent in a photographic rhyming poem Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

It was on the national news when the track completely broke up and ended up in the sea. This was 18months later when the track had been repaired but the weather was really ferocious. Very scary being on that train which came to a standstill while the waves were crashing over it. Thank you John.

Chris