“At dawn, a railwaywoman
On a country platform whirls on the end of a chain
An irrelevant key, while a young guard makes to wipe
A crumb from her lapel; and see, she smiles
A permissory smile you take in from your corner seat:
A cameo of unrehearsed perfection.”

The Old Flea-Pit (1987).

Adopted from Wikiquote. Last update June 3, 2021. History

Help us to complete the source, original and additional information

Do you have more details about the quote "At dawn, a railwaywoman On a country platform whirls on the end of a chain An irrelevant key, while a young guard mak…" by Alan Brownjohn?
Alan Brownjohn photo
Alan Brownjohn 3
British writer 1931

Related quotes

Anton Chekhov photo
William Faulkner photo
Anastacia photo

“Anytime or only for a while
Don't worry
Make a wish
I'll be there to see your smile.”

Anastacia (1968) American singer-songwriter

You'll Never Be Alone
Freak of Nature (2001)

Gordon Brown photo

“Politics seems much less important today. When you see your young daughter smiling as she was, and moving around, it's a superb feeling.”

Gordon Brown (1951) British Labour Party politician

Colin Wills, "'This will be a big change in my life .. politics is now less important' says new dad Gordon Brown", Sunday Mirror, 30 December, 2001, p. 4.
Press conference on the birth of his first daughter, Jennifer Jane Brown, 29 December 2001; she died nine days later.
Chancellor of the Exchequer

Prevale photo

“She has that innate sensuality that captivates the gaze and doesn't make you think of anything else, she has that smile that makes her unique in the world. It's nice to see your woman shine with light and vitality, so make sure her priority is always her happiness.”

Prevale (1983) Italian DJ and producer

Original: Lei ha quella sensualità innata che cattura lo sguardo e non ti fa pensare ad altro, lei ha quel sorriso che la rende unica al mondo. È bello vedere la propria donna splendere di luce e vitalità, quindi fai in modo che la sua priorità sia sempre la felicità.
Source: prevale.net

Letitia Elizabeth Landon photo

“She held the cup; and he the while
Sat gazing on her playful smile,
As all the wine he wished to sip
Was one kiss from her rosebud lip.”

Letitia Elizabeth Landon (1802–1838) English poet and novelist

(8th February 1823) Medallion Wafers: Hercules and Iole
22nd February 1823) Leander and Hero see The Vow of the Peacock (1835
1st March 1823) An Old Man over the Body of his Son see The Vow of the Peacock (1835
The London Literary Gazette, 1823

Henri Barbusse photo

“The woman from the depths of her rags, a waif, a martyr — smiled. She must have a divine heart to be so tired and yet smile.”

Henri Barbusse (1873–1935) French novelist

The Inferno (1917), Ch. XVI
Context: The woman from the depths of her rags, a waif, a martyr — smiled. She must have a divine heart to be so tired and yet smile. She loved the sky, the light, which the unformed little being would love some day. She loved the chilly dawn, the sultry noontime, the dreamy evening. The child would grow up, a saviour, to give life to everything again. Starting at the dark bottom he would ascend the ladder and begin life over again, life, the only paradise there is, the bouquet of nature. He would make beauty beautiful. He would make eternity over again with his voice and his song. And clasping the new-born infant close, she looked at all the sunlight she had given the world. Her arms quivered like wings. She dreamed in words of fondling. She fascinated all the passersby that looked at her. And the setting sun bathed her neck and head in a rosy reflection. She was like a great rose that opens its heart to the whole world.

Bob Marley photo
Harry Chapin photo

Related topics