
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, December 8, 1994                   TAG: 9412230097
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-19   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: STEVEN SARVER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

A THANK-YOU, AND A PLEA

I HAVE been real upset about the 611 being put back into a museum. I have been riding behind the 611 since I was about 3 years old, and I wrote this poem to express my thoughts.

Thanks, 611

The 611 has touched so many lives in a special way,

People have come from everywhere, just to see the J.

What a sight to behold as she rolls down the track,

Especially when the smoke is pouring out of her stack.

Whether stopped or rolling along the countryside,

She has been a real joy to people nationwide.

Now on her future a dark cloud has been cast,

For Norfolk Southern sees her as a thing of the past.

With the thousands of people that have been on her for a ride,

You would think that Norfolk Southern would be filled with pride,

For taking part of our history away, they should be ashamed,

For the many lives she touched will never be the same.

We will have our memories for souvenirs,

As well as our disappointment, grief and tears.

To keep 611 running, I am certain would not be a mistake,

But would make so many happy, and end this heartache.

Steven Sarver, 13, lives in Crown Point, Ind., where he is in the eighth grade.

by CNB