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
2017