I am standing here with my stellar friends in front of your statue

You watch the trains arrive and leave with the pleasure of a child on its first outing

St P is splendid again and this was partly down to you and your friends

It is now the gateway to the near continent

Paris is only a matter of hours away

 

Hundreds of people steal your likeness every day

Pretty girls touch the tails of your coat

Whilst mature matrons exchange nostalgic memories

And chat excitedly amongst themselves

As they consume prawn sandwiches freshly made

 

In a way I am jealous of your captivity in this vast train shed

I am always on the move nothing stops for me

But you stand here cheerful in your disposition

You have completed your journeys

Nothing more awaits you

 

My friends and I toast you with our silly glasses full of fizz

We are off to France on the five fifteen

I would like you to join us but know you cannot come

You wish us a good journey with your knowing smile

Safe in the knowledge that your sleep is yet to be shared