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."