THE POPPYLAND EXPRESS
Reading edition
St. Louis Star Sayings
The first train leaves at 6 p. m. For the land where the poppy blows. The mother is the engineer, And the passenger laughs and crows.
The palace car is the mother's arms; The whistle a low, sweet strain. The passenger winks and nods and blinks And goes to sleep on the train.
At 8 p. m. the next train starts For the poppyland afar. The summons clear falls on the ear, "All aboard for the sleeping car!"
But "What is the fare to poppyland? I hope it is not too dear." The fare is this—a hug and a kiss, And it's paid to the engineer.
So I ask of Him who children took On His knee in kindness great: "Take charge, I pray, of the trains each day That leave at six and eight.
"Keep watch of the passengers," thus I pray, "For to me they are very dear; And special ward, O gracious Lord, O'er the gentle engineer."