Lydia At Waterloo 1958 Poem by Terry Collett

I went with Benny
to Waterloo train station
it was busy
people rushing about
getting on or off trains.

The white and grey steam
rising up to the station roof
or puffing out across
the platform.

Your old lady
wasn't keen on me
taking you here again
Benny said.

I looked at him
I think it's
the money thing
I said
remembering Mum
at the front door
that morning
eyeing him and me.

She went and got
the money.

Only a few pence
on the bus
he said.

That's how she is
I said.

A loud burst of steam
took our focus.

Benny smiled
don't you just love that
that power
and the smell
of these engines?

Yes I do
I said.

A porter walked past
pushing a wagon
of mailbags
his hat pushed back
on his head
sweat on his brow.

I wonder where
my dad went today?
I said
he went to Bristol
the other week.

Does he go to Scotland?
Benny said.

I guess he must
I said.

Edinburgh?
He asked.

Not sure
I replied.

Want to go one day
Benny said.

Me too
I said.

Could go together
he said.

I liked that idea
the long journey
looking out
the window
seeing the smoke
from the engine
going past
the window.

A loudspeaker
gave out information
about some train.

Out beyond
the station
came hard rain.