A train journey

One is nearly two,
and two are three,
then there’s Mum,
and also me
– to help.
How long will it be?
trying different seats,
exploring,
views from windows,
rain is pouring,
raisins, oranges, and crisps
in-between some juicy sips;
one wants loo, so all three go,
one turns up her nose, says ‘No’
doesn’t like the smell, but then,
soon she has to go again,
youngest wants to sit on in her nappy,
copying her sisters makes her happy!
I have a little treasure trove
of different toys
(I had three boys)
so one by one,
and three of each,
in the bag to reach,
engines, cars
(racing round the table,
up the window bars,
up my face, and down my arm
try to keep from harm, keep calm;
take out books, some new,
(and back to the loo),
entertainment for the coach,
mostly smiles, with no reproach –
do they remember this story of Alfie?
and memories stirred, as they hear (cannot look),
the jokes in this ‘hide-and-seek’ picture-book?