In ancient times great caravans

of camels, horses, mules and men,

marched in swaying unison

across the great plains of the world.

 

Camels with supercilious stare.

Arab horses, tails held high.

The plodding mule in stubborn mood

and merchants in their flowing robes.

 

The railways brought a faster pace

to the trade routes across the globe;

with belching smoke and clanging bell

their steel wheels rode the gleaming rails.

 

The Engineer who stared ahead.

The Fireman sweaty caked with coal,

controlled and fed this great machine,

that carried trade across the land.

 

Today huge trucks go roaring by,

as engines strain through many gears,

to pull containers filled with goods

for destinations far and near.

 

Their gleaming tractors high and clean,

with flashy paint all decked with chrome.

The rattle of their Jake breaks sound

in concert with a strident horn.

 

And though we live with speed and noise.

Still most prefer some peace and quiet

and dream with longing to enjoy

the slower pace of yesteryear.

David Garlick, Victoria, July, 1986