982

There is a man
I never knew.
He was the engineer for
Southern Pacific engine 982.
He was my great grandfather,
Wiley McMinn,
It would've been so great
If I could've met him.
I've heard stories
Of him before
Of driving trains
After the war.
In Texas he was born
In 1889
And unfortunately died
Before my time.
He was a soldier
During World War I.
Then moved to Louisiana
Sometime after it was done.
I'm not sure when
He started to work on trains.
But the engine of his
Is all that remains.
I remembered that engine
From when I was a kid.
I had gotten lost downtown the other day when I found it
But I am sure glad I did.
I thought it was dismantled
Because it was moved away from the zoo.
But it is safe
And will be a part of an exhibit, too!
The engine looks like
It is in great condition.
One day I'll bring my kids to see it,
And start a family tradition.
My great grandfather died
In 1974
Just 14 years
Before I was born.
That engine in Houston
Is the only part of him I know.
They need to hurry with this exhibit
Because I really want to go.
Houston has some
Great plans for it.
One of them being
To at night have her lit.
I sure do wish
My great grandfather could see
How much that engine
Means to me.
I'm sure it sounds silly
To most of y'all.
So I don't really care
If you laugh at all.
I cried when I found it
Because I thought it was gone.
I sure am glad
That I had thought wrong.
That engine has
Sentimental value to me
It's a small part of
My family history.
My great grandfather was a man
That I never knew.
But I know he drove
Southern Pacific engine 982.