I am Sam: I lay the railway track
streaks of red and curves of blue and green
on which the trains puff out, then clatter back
to talk of what they’ve done and where they’ve been
and where they’ll go tomorrow. I am Sam.
I am Sam: before I go to bed
I lift the track and pack it carefully
away inside the darkened engine shed.
I take one engine up to bed with me:
the rest must sleep downstairs. I am Sam.
I am Sam: tonight I hope to dream
of Thomas, Henry, Oliver and James,
of coaches, trucks and all the railway team
who play with me such complicated games.
I am the Small Controller: I am Sam.