Troop trains troop trains
Passing on their way.
A sudden gust of cheering cuts
The crisp cold winter's day.
Above, a sky swept clear of cloud,
A blue infinity;
Below, the dun-brown carriages
Steaming towards the quay.
All along the railway line,
Where the people dwell,
Flecks of eager handkerchiefs
Fluttering in farewell.
Troop trains, troops trains,
Hear the bugle's note,
Flags, and cheers, and music, and…..
A touch that grips the throat.
Alice Gore-Jones, 1917