The Puffing Tom

By Farhan Arfeen

I once boarded a Sea-train, it was named the Puffing Tom. People often referred to it as the symbol, how a man worked with a "don!".

Firstly what's a Sea-train you ask? Nothing more than a regular steam-engined train, just that it traverses through seas, not on land but on water.

As for working with a "don!" I could not comprehend. Was it just for the sound effect, or was something deeper hidden?

For it, I wished to recall the train I had boarded long ago. My parents had bought tickets for three, as there was a carnival on the island of San Foldo.

A day ere boarding the Puffing Tom, we arrived at the island city Water-7, resembling a huge fountain. Though today I don't wish to write of that magnificent place, maybe some other day.

In markets of Water-7, heard stories of a shipwright named Tom who built the Puffing Tom...with a "don!". A miracle, tracks not on land but on the sea, submerged just beneath the surface of the water. How could he create such a thing on his own?

The Mayor of the city was who answered me. Told Tom was a passionate man, would've died for the work in his hand. In dire days when people sought hope, Tom came up with a "don!".

The next day I crossed the sea myself, on the miracle of Tom. Soon began to comprehend it wasn't just 'bout the "don!".

It was 'bout the spirit of passion and loyalty to one's calling. Ain't that what they're supposed to teach young lads on Sunday Mornings?

A city had rebirthed, distant folks connected, the government rejoiced as well, in the miracle that was created, All 'cause a certain shipwright once said, "When a man does things, 'should do it with a don!".

By Farhan Arfeen