Last Journey

by Timothy Coote

There is a train at the station
With a seat reserved just for me
I'm excited about its destination
As I’ve heard it sets you free

The trials and tribulations
The pain and stress we breathe
Don't exist where I am going
Only happiness I believe

I hope that you will be there
To wish me on my way
It's not a journey you can join in
It’s not your time today

There'll be many destinations
Some are happy, some are sad
Each one a brief reminder
Of the great times that we've had

Many friends I know are waiting
Who took an earlier train
To greet and reassure me
That nothing has really changed

We’ll take the time together
To catch up on the past
To build a new beginning
One that will always last

One day you'll take your journey
On the train just like me
And I promise that I'll be there
At the station and you will see

That life is just a journey
Enriched by those you meet
No-one can take that from you
It's always yours to keep

But now as no seat is vacant
You will have to muddle through
Make sure you fulfil your ambitions
As you know I’ll be watching you

And if there’s an occasion
To mention who you knew
Speak kindly of that person
As one day it will be you

Now I can’t except this ending
And as it's time for me to leave
Please make haste to the reception
To enjoy my drinks, they're free!


Timothy Coote

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May 31, 2022
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BEAUTIFUL
by: Anonymous

WONDERFUL HAD ME IN TEARS HOW I'M GOING TO READ THIS AT THE FUNERAL WITHOUT CRYING.

May 19, 2021
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Lovely Poem
by: Andrea

My Mum read this at my partners funeral. He used to take the train to work before he retired so thought it very fitting. Lots of people commented on how lovely this poem was. I went back in to say goodbye to him alone and without realising instead of goodbye I said ‘safe journey’ so the poem must have touched my heart.

Mar 05, 2021
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Great poem
by: Sophia

I lost my partner and his funeral was held last week . He loved everything about railway . This poem was read for him and since then I lived it so much and this poem bring to me comfort .

Sep 18, 2020
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Perfect for my dad's funeral
by: Mary

My dad worked on the railway, started as a porter and proudly made his way up the ladder to signalman. After he retired he continued to enjoy days out on the railway with my husband, a fellow lover of steam.I was looking for a suitable poem to read at his funeral and this is absolutely perfect - whether I reach the end without breaking down, remains to be seen, but thank you, Timothy, for being so beautifully creative.

Aug 29, 2020
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Was the one for my mum
by: sue

My Mum travelled all over the world after she retired that was what she worked very hard for. She had a cruise with her friend and they also had a hotel holiday every year so this poem was for her and she also worked on the railway I thank you for this poem everyone loved it.

Jul 21, 2020
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Perfect peom for beloved Geoff
by: Amy Westall

Sums my beautiful neighbour up to a tee. He loved his trainsx

Jul 05, 2020
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Dad
by: Karen

I hope you dont mind but this gave me inspiration to write a poem for my dads funeral as he was also a train man, having worked on the railway for about 30 years.

Theres a train waiting at the station.
A vacant seat for one.
I know it was waiting for you.
I know because your gone.
The fireman stoked the engine
There was a head of steam
This carriage was decided
A railway man's final dream
As you took that single ticket
Last train ride you ever had
My heart travelled with you
My world, my hero my dad.

Thanks for the inspiring idea.

Feb 12, 2020
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Speak kindly for the departed
by: Anonymous

Now I know why kind words must be reserved for the departed,one day it will be you.

Jan 23, 2020
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Love it for my mother repast
by: Lisa C

I love this poem like everyone before. It sum up the journey f every lasting. She was always helping everyone friends, family stranger. If you need somewhere to stay you could always ask her. The answer we be where are you bags it alright if you don't have any. I sure I can find you something all are welcome here. She will be greatly missed by me and so many others. She has gone on now to a new journey to watch us and love us from afar. I love ya mamma....

Dec 07, 2019
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Lovely poem
by: Sharon

We used this poem in June for my uncle, it's so very lovely and the lady who did the readings from the funeral directors printed this off for anyone who wanted a copy, I changed the end line to read make haste to my reception and enjoy a drink for me

Oct 30, 2019
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Death of my dad perfect poem
by: Anonymous

My dad's passed away we saw this poem and my god it was perfect as he worked on the railway brought a tear to lots of eyes

Sep 23, 2019
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Explanation of first line of last verse
by: Trish

I think the word 'except' here is used here as a verb - he cannot refuse the take the train as in the previous verses there is no deep regret at his leaving.
It sounded odd to me too because he does seem to accept his death.

Sep 01, 2019
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Lovely poem
by: Louise

We knew that our mother only had days to live so we’re able to share this poem with her before she passed. It perfectly summed up reflections on joining those who had already passed and the belief we would meet again in the future and made death seem a less frightening experience and a less lonely journey as it felt she will never be on her own. Several people asked afterwards about the poem. It was perfect for us and I’m so glad we came across it. It has made the situation a lot easier to process thinking of it in these terms, so thank you to the poet.

Jul 23, 2019
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Last Journey
by: Chris Bateman

The poem was so relevant to our brother David who was always train mad as from a very young age. He had his own model railway in a purpose built building which backs onto the mainline on the Southern Network, also a active member of a Model Railway Club in Worthing.



Jul 11, 2019
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Last Verse
by: John McCormacks

I'm sorry, but I just don't understand the first line of the last verse - please explain? Or does he mean 'accept' - and if so, why?

May 25, 2019
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Just perfect.
by: Patti

Timothy,
My cousin's husband Walt passed away suddenly a couple weeks ago. He was a train man, he loved his trains. Your poem is absolutely perfect to remember him by. I read it to his wife and she was completely impressed by how well it fit his passing. We all loved Walt so much. Thank you for expressing his passing so perfectly for us.

Apr 08, 2019
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And The Longest Journey
by: Anonymous

This poem is never ending.
And where ever you are bound.
It is obvious to the rest of us.
You took the long way round!

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