AN OUTPOST OF EMPIRE
(Composed prior to 1971; from manuscript held by B. Burke)In shreds of rags-and-tatters, and the shambles of retreat
they stumbled into Stockport, and collapse was near complete
but we saved a Sole-survivor from the Ashes of Defeat
soon may she bloom into Glory!
Hoorah, hoorah! From Stockport Engine Shed
Hoorah, hoorah! We ransomed her instead
of leaving her abandoned, mid the dying and the Dead!
Soon may she bloom into Glory!
At the “Dinting Railway Centre” she’ll be safe from all attack
- where we’re saying “No!” to Progress, and the clocks are turning back
she can haul our steam expresses … on our half-a mile of track
soon may she bloom into Glory!
Hoorah, hoorah, a “Jubilee”, no less!
Hoorah, hoorah, in Royal-crimson dress
restored to all the Glory of the former “L.M.S.”
Soon may she bloom into Glory!
For Dinting Railway Redoubt’s nailed its colours to the mast
- We stand for Steam Imperial, our Future’s in the Past!
“Bahamas” is our Empire: we’ll defend her to the Last!
Soon may she bloom into Glory!
Hoorah, hoorah, the steaming Banner flies
Hoorah, hoorah, before our gleaming eyes!
From the Sackcloth of your Ashes, oh you Phœnix, arise!
Soon may you bloom into Glory!
She’s but the outward symbol of an obsolete regime?
- Is beauty obsolescent when you’re brave enough to dream
that the Sun has never set upon the Empire that was Steam?
Soon may she bloom into glory!
Hoorah, hoorah, improve the shining hour
Hoorah, hoorah, so Innocent a Power
we’ll cultivate at Dinting till it blossoms into flower!
Long may she reign in her glory!
