-- by Joseph C. Dorffner, Sr. - Copyright 2000 --
Smoke bellowed from the smokestack,
as steam hissed all about.
The engineer barked out an order,
the fireman answered in a shout.
A valve was slowly opened,
two pistons groaned in grief.
Two push-rods stroked in harmony,
as the pressure found relief.
Four giant wheels started turning,
first slipping on the track.
Then traction was to grab hold,
as the rails gave calling back.
The engineer blew the whistle,
as the engine picked up speed.
The fireman threw on more coal,
the boiler there to heed.
These were the early years,
when steam was known as King.
Our Nation moved on steel-rimed wheels,
on ties the rails would sing.
For alternate tune
Click Engine
Animated file from: AnimFactory
Trailing cursor from: “Lissa's Cursors”
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