Stuff I love. Part 1.

I'll tell you what - trains.

Trains:

Because they're brilliantly, fascinating, soothingly, hypnotic, mechanical creatures that transport you beautifully from one location to another while you lie back and allow your thoughts to unwind. (Like some angry kittens with a tapestry - Bill Bailey 2006.)

My Grandpa worked as a signalman on the West Somerset Railway for many years - until they discovered he was severely colour blind (hmmm). He worked with the amazing steam trains. His Father also worked on the trains and my Father loves trains too.

(Me waiting excitedly for the train to pass.)

I was waiting for a train to pass the other day. I was sitting in my car on the way back from work, watching this slug like transportation animal shunter past me with, seemingly, all the time in the world. To me it is a lovely thing to watch something move so slowly and so deliberatly - it calmed me, because I'm always incredibly hyperactiv when I come back from work.

When I was a kid, my Dad and I would run under a railway bridge to hear a passing train thunder past. These were magical times that required no talking afterwards. Dad taught me to appreciate the simplicities that life throws at you. I still run under bridges to this day to hear a train roar by above me. Just brilliant!!!!

(Here it comes.)

I will leave you now with my favourite poem about trains. We analysed this whilst at University (studying English literature - allow me to praise my incredibly gifted teacher Gro at this point.) You need to use your imagination for this one - and some rhythm, but mostly, your keen daydreaming skills.

IN A STATION OF THE METRO.

The apparition of these faces in the crowd;

Petals on a wet, black bough.

by Ezra Pound