# St. Thomas explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by James McIntyre.

## What happens

The poem celebrates St. Thomas as a thriving railway hub and industrial center, highlighting the convenience of modern rail travel compared to the rough stage roads of the past. It also touches on local pride and the appeal of educated women from Alma College.

## Themes in this chapter

### Progress and Technology

The poem emphasizes the transformative power of railways and steel, portraying St. Thomas as a modern industrial centre connected by bridges and railroads.

### Local Patriotism and Regional Pride

The poem expresses pride in St. Thomas's growth and enterprise, celebrating its status as a great railway centre and a place of opportunity.

## Key lines

> Oddfellows once they had to trudge O'er rough stage road to the Grand Lodge, But now they town of metal seek And find it on the Kettle Creek.

In the past, Odd Fellows had to travel on difficult stagecoach roads to reach the Grand Lodge, but now they can easily travel by rail to the town on Kettle Creek.

_Highlights the shift from arduous travel to convenient railway access._

> No more need to stay at home as There's lots of railroads to St. Thomas, You pluckily did boldly venture, Now you are great railroad centre.

People no longer have to stay home because there are many railroads leading to St. Thomas; the city boldly pursued development and is now a major railway hub.

_Emphasizes the city's transformation into a central railway node._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters/st-thomas
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters