"The following story written by a grade 2/3 student in October demonstrates an understanding of engagement, richness of word pictures, emotions and feelings."

The Train by Allison

One hot summers afternoon my family and I were going to move. I knew that we would be taking a train and I was very excited. When we walked up to the train, it looked big and dark. It made me feel small and scared. I carefully walked up the crooked stairs and stood for a moment to touch the cold metal railing. As I walked into the train there were people smoking. They were sitting on rich looking leather chairs. They had beautiful gowns and suits on. I realized that this would not be my coach.

I quickly got off the train and walked between two trains. I felt squished and scared. I finally reached my coach. It was at the very back of the train just before the caboose.

I stepped onto this train car and noticed the people looked more like me. Their clothes were torn and like rags. The smell was most disgusting because these people would not have had a bath in the longest time. I sat on a hard, uncomfortable bench and settled all my belonging around me. The benches were so close I was squished. As the train started I could hear a big whistle. As the train started it jerked me back down into my seat.

As we left the station the little town that we were leaving disappeared from sight. I then saw plants and trees, foxes and even moose. We traveled across the prairie, into the foothills. Soon the mountains looked as huge as can be. The clouds began to get darker and thicker and I knew it was time to sleep.

With help, I pulled down the bed above me and took my small blanket up. I needed help to be pushed up to this hard wooden board above our seats. The train rocked me to sleep. There I stayed for the rest of the night, curled in my wooden cradle.

I woke up with pain in my back and a sliver in my finger. I got out of my nest with help. The train was slowly stopping, I could hear the brakes on the wheels. The conductor called in a loud voice, "Okotoks!" I was finally home.

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