- Stephen Morris
British Rail regrets
The delay of the 9.20 train
From New Castle-on-Tyne,
Which was due to arrive
In Bristol at 18.00 hours.
The delay has occurred
Because the train has been derailed
Seven miles north of Leeds,
After being in collision
With an empty passenger train.
So far, only forty-seven
Of the hundred and ten
Bodies have been identified,
Seventeen of these being children.
Will people meeting the train
Please report
To the Station Master's Office,
Which can be found on platform one,
Where they will receive
Further information?
We would like to apologise,
For any inconvenice
Which may have been caused
To other passengers.
The 12.10 train from Manchester
Will be arriving on time.
British Rail regrets
The delay of the 9.20 train
From New Castle-on-Tyne,
Which was due to arrive
In Bristol at 18.00 hours.
The delay has occurred
Because the train has been derailed
Seven miles north of Leeds,
After being in collision
With an empty passenger train.
So far, only forty-seven
Of the hundred and ten
Bodies have been identified,
Seventeen of these being children.
Will people meeting the train
Please report
To the Station Master's Office,
Which can be found on platform one,
Where they will receive
Further information?
We would like to apologise,
For any inconvenice
Which may have been caused
To other passengers.
The 12.10 train from Manchester
Will be arriving on time.
Hey, that's such a sad one... how can it be your favorite? Is there some irony or word play that I am missing?
ReplyDeleteIt's favourite because I learnt it in school, and also because of the language. It brings out the ironical situation so well. Imagine the efficiency of the British Rail as they are regretting a horrifying incidence, not because of the tragedy, but because the train cannot reach on time. And the way it casually asks 'passengers meeting the train' to contact the station master is so detached. Very official! I feel like I am writing a reference to context answer or an answer to a question in the English exam. ;) But nevertheless, I like the poem. :)
ReplyDeleteThe only one I remember from my 10th.
ReplyDeleteMe too still remember the poem
ReplyDelete