I happened across this Monon poem today, and even though it's probably been posted before on the Listserve, I thought maybe everyone would like to read it again. It's kinda neat. / Ron
The Passing Of The Monon Plug -
By William Herschell
I'm feelin' kind o' lonely, folks, an' crowdin' back the tears;
I've lost an old an' cherished friend, heart-held for forty years.
They've tooken off th' Monon Plug, an' never, never more,
I'll see her -- like a neighbor's horse -- a-trottin' past my door.
Th' Plug was just a humble train, fer humble folks to ride;
She had no observation car, except th' steps outside,
Stopped everywhere an' anywhere, run slow, I'll not deny;
Was sidetracked more than on th' Main, a-lettin' fast trains by.
From Monon to th' Capital, she'd start at dawn's first light;
Just trot along, then turn around, an' be back home by night.
Make stops at Cyclone, Radnor, Sleeth, Owasco an' Terhune;
There never was a switch, I guess, from which Plug was immune.
Th' crew knowed every one in town, th' townfolks knowed them too;
Which makes it hard to realize, them happy days is through.
Th' boys waved at us country folks, as Plug would canter by;
I've lived 'bout half my life, I guess, with cinders in my eye.
Th' fast train, 'course was purtier, an' more refined an' snug,
But no one never knowed a train, more friendlier than Plug!
Just kind o' rambled up an' down, in sun an' snow an' rain;
A-whistlin' every forty feet, and keepin' off the Main.
But now old Plug has quit th' trail, since some unfeelin' cuss,
Has stole away her passengers, and hauls 'em in a bus.
I'll miss her whistle tellin' me, it's time to feed th' stock;
But -- worst of all -- a wonder how, I'm goin' to set th' clock!!!!
