British Rocket Railways

 

I was on a coach-based journey

And sat near- a busy man,

Who held an open notebook

Which was headed 'Master-Plan'.

 

This attracted my attention

But he noticed this and smiled.

He said that he was an inventor –

Though his work was frequently filed.

 

Yet he felt that his latest notion

Was credible, cheap and clear,

As it was a rocket system

That sped through the stratosphere.

 

F or rocket trains or aircraft,

Moving fast at constant speed,

Could link all major centres

In a single loop or ring.

 

There would be suction units

To take passengers in queues

To or from the railway stations –

Through special-purpose tubes.

 

He said this would be simple,

That the public would be pleased

With British Rocket Railways –

A reality – no dream.

 

But he left at a busy centre.

Though he may be waiting still –

At that doorway marked 'Inventors

Of devices meant to thrill'.

 

 

© Sidney Morleigh 2004