FOREVER OURS

 

FOREVER OURS

Long time ago in days of yore

This Quaker town was to the fore

A famed railman sought out a man

Would know how the Skerne to span

Smart architect applied his brain

One Ig Bonomi of Latin strain

He drew the arch, they stirred the tar

Laid the stone and here you are!

You’re quite plain, could never stun

Even though you’ve had work done

But never once were looks your fame

History now, that’s your game!

Quickly on the scene did burst

Oldest span and forever first

That one boast can never fail

Kingpin of primeval rail

Soon after that maiden trip

To move by rail became quite hip

In mind’s eye comes cavalcade

Of pictures that can never fade

Tornado, Royal, Scotsman, Mallard

Speedsters all with not one laggard

Earnest spotters did crane to look

Scribbling numbers in their book

Age when rail did take the strain

Deltics, Peaks, sleek Super Train

Any child they would amuse

Never far from evening news

Ronnie Biggs and Beeching’s axe

Dodgy snow on the tracks!

But this one race is always won

You’re in the list and Graded One

Way back in Eighteen Twenty-Five

Could any say how long you’d thrive?

Though Father Time has done his hours

You’re still the oldest and forever ours

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