I would like to thank all five of the readers out there that have missed my presence in The Loop newspaper. It has been a long year fraught with numerous stumbles, hurdles and other maladies of life. As we begin a new year, I hope that everyone gets younger, thinner and more financially independent in 2016. For the Christmas issue of The Loop newspaper in 2014, I wrote a little poem titled 'A Train Set For Christmas'. It should be recited out loud in the rhythm and cadence of 'The Night Before Christmas'. Since we are a month past Christmas now, I thought that it would be nice to add to it with this sequel.
'A Train Set For Christmas'Twas the morning of Christmas And there under the tree Was the train set I begged for Just waiting for me The loco had smoke And a whistle to boot
The push of a button
Would sound a great toot The headlight would pierce Through the darkness of night Even the caboose had its very own light There were houses and buildings all along the track My train would fly by me, go around then come back There were stations and lights and signals galore
That all came to life with my face pressed to the floor
Oh! Thank You Oh! Thank You Dear Mr. Claus I have one small complaint and this is because My dad took the controls The plan is just botched
He runs my train and all I do is watch
Please next year for Christmas, nothing for me Get a train for my dad so he'll leave my train set be
'A Month After Christmas'
Tis but a month after Christmas
And there all over the floor
Is the wreckage and carnage
Of the train I adore
Around the sharp corners
At ridiculous speeds
Brought great joy to little brother
Who has evil brother needs
Dad blew the whistle
Til he wore the thing out
My complaints went unheeded
Guess I don't have much clout
The train track mom tripped on
And bent up the rail
All attempts to repair them
Results......epic fail
The crossing shack watchman
Became a dog snack
With aid from my sister
The station's now black
The signals and lamp posts
Have all been destroyed
The guy in the milk car
You guessed it...kitty toy
The train sets condition
To my eye brings a tear
Time to pack this mess up
And do it again at Christmas next year
Happy New Year to all and to all a good nightIn memory of Bruce Gripkey, who wrote the "Train of Thought" column several years ago, The Loop newspaper is reprinting some of his articles for those who haven't had the chance to enjoy his railroad-centered stories. This article was originally printed in our Jan. 23, 2016 issue.
