Classic Poem

I Bill.

John, you're here too early; see,
Here's the schedule time.
Four full minutes here to wait,
Or we smash the downward freight! John.

Bill, I know it, and I try
To hold her back; she seems to fly!
Steam will make, and coal will burn,
Water boil, and drivers turn.
All ahead of time, — and I
And you know why!

II Bill.

All ahead of time again;
We shall smash the local train!
Thunder! John, the devil's in it;
See the watch, — six, seven minute! John.

Don't you think I know it, Bill?
Do you think we have our will?
She will go, and nothing hinders,
Though the piston fly to flinders.
She will fly, — and you and I,
Bill, we know the reason why!

III John.

Nothing hinders, nothing blocks;
All ahead of cards and clocks!
How the boss will swear, I know,
When upstairs he hears her blow!
Good for boss, if he discover
Boss can't part a girl and lover.

See her standing at the door, —
See her run along the floor.
There! John baggage-man has found her;
See him throw his arms around her.
If you thought the boy would miss her,
See him catch her up and kiss her.
Now the boss and you and I
Know what makes the piston fly, —
We know why!