Railroad Poetry: A Collection of Caboose Lore & Train Poems

Step into a world where the clatter of wheels on steel becomes poetry, and the locomotive’s whistle sings stories of adventure, labor, and longing. From the cozy solitude of the caboose to the thunderous might of steam engines, this curated collection brings together rare folk ballads, literary masterpieces, and forgotten gems that celebrate the soul of railroading.

Here, you’ll find Walt Whitman’s ode to the locomotive’s “lawless music,” Robert Louis Stevenson’s childlike wonder at fleeting landscapes, and anonymous folk verses that preserve the voices of brakemen, hobos, and engineers. These poems don’t just describe trains; they ride with them. Each poem capturing the rhythm of the rails, the camaraderie of crews, or the romance of destinations just beyond the horizon.

Whether you’re a historian tracing railroading’s legacy, a model train enthusiast recreating its magic, or simply a lover of language, these works offer a timeless ticket to the past. So settle into your favorite chair like a brakeman in his crummy, and let these words carry you through tunnels of nostalgia, across bridges of memory, and into the heart of railroading’s enduring spirit.