Dilton Marsh Halt

Was it worth keeping the Halt open,

We thought as we looked at the

Red through the spread of the cedar-tree,

With the evening train gone by?

Yes, we said, for in summer the anglers use it,

Two and sometimes

Will bring their catches of rods and poles and

To Westbury, home for tea.

There isn't a porter.

The platform is made of sleepers.

The guard of the last train puts out the

And high over lorries and cattle the Halt

Waits through the Wiltshire night.

O housewife safe in the comprehensive

Of the Warminster launderette!

O husband down at the depot with car in car-park!

The Halt is waiting yet.

And when all the horrible roads are finally done for,

And there's no more petrol left in the world to burn,

Here to the Halt from Salisbury and from

Steam trains will return.