HAROLD MONRO
JOURNEY
I
TTow many times I nearly miss the train
* * By running up the staircase once again
For some dear trifle almost left behind.
At that last moment the unwary mind
Forgets the solemn tick of station-time; 5
The muddy lane the feet must climb—
The bridge—the ticket—signal down—
Train just emerging beyond the town t
The great blue engine panting as it takes
The final curve, and grinding on its brakes 10
Up to the platform-edge......The little doors
Swing open, while the burly porter roars.
The tight compartment fills: our careful eyes.
Go to explore each others' destinies.
A lull. The station-master waves. The train 15
Gathers, and grips, and takes the rails again,
Moves to the shining open land, and soon
Begins to tittle-tattle a tame tattoon,
II
They ramble through the country-side,
Dear gentle monsters, and we ride 20
Pleasantly seated—so we sink
Into a torpor on the brink
Of thought, or read our books; and understand
Half them and half tHe backward-gliding land:
(Trees in a dance.all twirling round; 25
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