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Skimbleshank: The Railway Cat by TS Eliot

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Skimbleshank: The Railway Cat  by TS Eliot There's a whisper down the line at 11.39 When the Night Mail's ready to depart, Saying "Skimble where is Skimble has he gone to hunt the thimble? We must find him or the train can't start." All the guards and all the porters and the stationmaster's daughters They are searching high and low, Saying "Skimble where is Skimble for unless he's very nimble Then the Night Mail just can't go." At 11.42 then the signal's nearly due And the passengers are frantic to a man— Then Skimble will appear and he'll saunter to the rear: He's been busy in the luggage van! He gives one flash of his glass-green eyes And the signal goes "All Clear!" And we're off at last for the northern part Of the Northern Hemisphere! You may say that by and large it is Skimble who's in charge Of the Sleeping Car Express. From the driver and the guards to the bagmen playing cards He will supervise them all...

The Night Mail by W.H. Auden

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The Night Mail  by W.H. Auden Line-by-Line Explanation (Paraphrase + Meaning) 1–2 👉 Paraphrase: The night mail train is crossing the border between England and Scotland, carrying cheques and money orders. 👉 Explanation: The poem begins by introducing the train and its purpose—delivering important financial documents. 3–4 👉 Paraphrase: The train carries letters for everyone—rich people, poor people, shopkeepers, and ordinary individuals. 👉 Explanation: This shows equality—mail service connects all kinds of people without discrimination. 5–6 👉 Paraphrase: The train is climbing uphill at Beattock, which is difficult, but it is still running on schedule. 👉 Explanation: The train is personified as “she,” showing strength and determination. 7–8 👉 Paraphrase: The train moves past grassy and rocky countryside, releasing white steam behind it. 👉 Explanation: This creates a vivid image of the rural landscape and the powerful movement of the train. 9–10 👉 Paraphrase: The train makes ...