An attempt to write a poem in real time while travelling on a train

Selected poems

Scenes from a Train Window

A pylon looms like a sini-
Two birds puncture the late afternoon blue as th-
Cows stare into the distance and wonde-
Fields sleep drowsily, waiting for-
Buddleia bubbles up along the tr-
A woman waves at her youn-
Some buildings.
Graffiti.
Wolverhampton railway station.

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11 thoughts on “An attempt to write a poem in real time while travelling on a train”

  2. Gill Bullen's avatar

    Having grown up just outside Wolverhampton, and travelled many times between Birmingham and Wolverhampton by train, I love this one. It’s so exactly, evocatively right – and I especially love it because I don’t live there any longer, and this brings it all back!
    It’s that “poetry recapturing memories of feelings” bit. Wordsworth and Larkin would approve!

      1. Gill Bullen's avatar

        I was sure you must, though I didn’t know about your Birmingham background.
        Easy to see why Queen Victoria had the carriage curtains drawn, though she’d have been missing out on the canal, the lines of washing and the odd “tethered ‘oss.” But of course it wasn’t “wum” to her!

  3. John's avatar

    Hi there Brian, this is John
    I wondered if you lived in Brum?
    I run a book club which is good
    And ask that if you’re in our ‘hood
    Cos’ we’re in Lichfield, not that far
    To visit in particular
    And meet us all to have a chat
    And talk at length on this and that
    We have some questions, all rehearsed
    To ask about your splendid verse
    I’ll pick you up from City station
    And pay you with tasty creations
    So am I being a bit naïve
    To ask a date when you can leave?

    1. brianbilston's avatar

      Thanks for the invitation, John, and the delightful way in which you presented it. I’m afraid it’s been some while since I’ve lived in Brum, though, so such a meet-up would be difficult for me. I’m afraid I shall have to remain an enigmatic and shadowy presence.

  5. Outrageous Monk's avatar

    Cutting off the lines mid-word captures the sheer speed of a train window view so brilliantly! 🚆 You really feel the rush right up until that sudden, static stop at Wolverhampton. Fantastic concept and execution, Brian!

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