Günter Dinhobl (Hrsg.): Sonderband 7. Eisenbahn/Kultur – Railway/Culture (2004)

III. Soziale Ordnungen / Social orders - Arlette Abrahamian: Intelligent Trains

INTELLIGENT TRAINS

Arlette Abrahamian

Through the mists that melt Before the early morning rays Where all above is still as all beneath The city slumbers in soothing dreams While nature renews revolving thoughts And wraps and heals each wounded mind In shades of mental night.

Oh, wild illusions of creative Man What page of human knowledge did you turn? What fancy dreams did you employ?

To lay these iron rails graved in position On the banks of the River Tyne?

Now, quicker than a heart can pound Railway tracks invade the rugged soil Seize each fearful opposing voice In triumph’s irresistible cheer.

Thunderous beasts of spitting steam Roar and howl throughout the ride Designed to mark the start of a profitable future Favoured by scientific ambition And politician’s selfish eyes.