DO YOU
SUPPOSE ?
My
daughters have grown up today
I know
it now for sure,
They left upon the
evening train
To test the north's alure.
They'd ridden on that train before
When they were babies still
And
all that interested them then
Was
paper cups to fill.
I
wonder if they've learned to see
The
rolling pageantry,
Of changing scenes and moving sights
Their
viewpoint sets to see.
Do you
suppose they realize
That just to watch, the land,
Tells
more of mankind's history
Than books can bring to hand.
That for this land they' re rolling
thru
The tide
of battle swayed,
And movements of the peoples trailed
The paths the army made.
That
where they roll at ease on wheels
Men toiled to break the way,
Their
wives and kids worked just as hard
From dawn to dying, day.
The work's not finished up at all
In fact
has scarce begun,
To younger hands and wiser heads
Their turn will finally come.
They'll meet a lot of
friendly folks
As shy as they can be,
Who cover up their reticence
With blustery deeds to see.
Their friendly hosts will use queer
words
Their cooking will be strange
But still we're all one people, girls
I would no item change.
Because, before your eyes laid out
Are
customs, ancient all,
That blend to make this country great
And prove the world quite small.