Winner non-speed category of 1st Annual Alberta Day Poetry Contest

The History Wrangler was at the Attic Lounge presenting to the winner of the non-speed category of our 1st Annual Alberta Day Poetry Contest.

The winner is 77-year-old Linda Stewart and she was awarded a congratulations card and $50.00 Visa Gift Card.

Linda read one of her poems to a packed audience with guitar accompaniment.

Alberta Train Crew Bob Stewart

Rough and ready to roll .. on call .. go get them .... When needed .. as needed .. worked up in status .... Started as a call boy .. rounding up crews .... Fifteen years old .. never too young to go .... Dues paid for hard work .. to promotions deserved .... Shovelling coal .. next duty aboard .. into the fire .... Hot .. demanding .. short body helped .. so strong .... Stubborn to exist ... yet time moving forward .... Now becomes ... top of the line Engineer .... Responsible .. courageous .. nights .. days .... Weeks on end .. resting in the bunk houses .... Lunch boxes .. thermos bottles ... food on the run .... Heavy boots ... striped hats ... Coverall striped suits .... Winter blizzards ... clearing hard snow drifts .... High as the engine ... High winds .. Dirt storms .... Through every imaginable roaring weather .... Flames as high as an elevator ... running for dear life .... Hitting the crossings ... at full fledged speed .... Yet mellowing across ... dry ocean like grain waves .... You delivered necessities ... the passengers too .... You drove through the War ... You stayed the course .... Then ... over 60 years time passed ... ready to rest .... Honoured by the last ride ... from Hanna to Calgary .... Chauffeured all the way ... “Cocky” Bob Stewart .... Stepped down ... walking proudly away ... head high .... Being cheered ... From Everyone around ... Friends .... Family ... Train crews ... With the Sign on the train .... Congratulations You Won ... you stayed to the end! By K. Linda Stewart, July 15, 2022