Introduction to Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat

“Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat” by T.S. Eliot is a

poem from T.S.Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of
Practical Cats.

“Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat” is a lighthearted and

playful poem that celebrates the world of cats and
their unique personalities. Skimbleshanks is a cat
who lives and works on a Night Mail train. The
cat takes his job seriously and ensures the
smooth running of the train, showcasing the
value everyday actions can have.

Trivia – T.S. Eliot was a ‘cat man’. He owned many

during his life and fondly gave them unusual
names like Skimbleshanks, Jennyanydots,
Growltiger, Gilbert, Rum Tum Tugger, Macavity,
Gus etc. He wrote many cat poems describing the
personality of cats and their human
counterparts.

Poem Explanation

Poem:

There’s a whisper down the line at 11.39

When the Night Mail’s ready to depart,

Saying “Skimble where is Skimble has he gone to

hunt the thimble?

We must find him or the train can’t start.

Word Meaning:

whisper: murmur
thimble: a small pitted cup worn on the finger that
protects it from being pricked or poked by a needle
while sewing.

Explanation:

The first stanza tells us something important is about to

happen. The train, called the Night Mail, is all set to
leave but Skimble, who seems to be an important
person, is missing. The train literally cannot depart
without him.

The question “has he gone to hunt the thimble?” is a

humorous way of expressing concern. A thimble is a
small sewing tool, unlikely to be something Skimble
would be looking for, so it hints that he might be
distracted or simply not where he should be.

Poem:

All the guards and all the porters and the

stationmaster’s daughters

They are searching high and low,

Saying “Skimble where is Skimble for unless he’s

very nimble

Then the Night Mail just can’t go.”

Word Meaning

high and low: at all places

nimble: moving with ease; agile

Explanation:

A large number of people involved in the search:

Guards: They are responsible for the safety and

security of the train.
Porters: They help passengers with luggage and
boarding.
Stationmaster’s daughters: This detail suggests
everyone available is coming forward to help find
Skimbleshanks.
They are looking everywhere they can think of to find
Skimble as Skimble’s absence is a major obstacle to the
train’s departure. The night mail cannot travel unless
Skimble is moving in it.

Poem:

At 11.42 then the signal’s nearly due

And the passengers are frantic to a man –

Then Skimble will appear and he’ll saunter to the

rear:

He’s been busy in the luggage van!

Word Meaning:

frantic: quite restless

saunter: walk in a slow, relaxed way

the rear: backside

Explanation:

At 11.42 the railway signal is due to which everybody is

worried and restless. “To a man” is an idiom meaning
“including everyone” (in this case, all the passengers).

Then, Skimbleshanks appeared just in time and walked

to the back of the train. He had been occupied with a
task at the luggage van.

Poem:

He gives one flash of his glass-green eyes

And the signal goes “All Clear!”

And we’re off at last for the northern part

Of the Northern Hemisphere!

Word Meaning:

flash of his glass - green eyes- an expression of

command from the green eyes

“All Clear” – signal light turns green to signal that the

train can start on its journey

Northern Hemisphere! - upper part of the northern half

of the globe
Explanation:

With a simple action, Skimbleshanks ensures the train’s

departure on time. The flash could be Skimbleshanks’
way of signifying that whatever he was doing in the
luggage van is complete. “All Clear!” indicates the
signal has changed, now allowing the train to proceed.
The delay is over and the train is finally moving. The
train is set to travel a vast distance, to the
northernmost part of the Northern Hemisphere.

Poem:

You may say that by and large it is Skimble who’s

in charge

Of the Sleeping Car Express.

From the driver and the guards to the bagmen

playing cards

He will supervise them all, more or less.

Down the corridor he paces and examines all the

faces

Of the travellers in the First and the Third;

He establishes control by a regular patrol

And he’d know at once if anything occurred.

Word Meaning:
patrol: act of going around an area to see if everything
is fine

Explanation:

Skimbleshanks holds a position of authority. It’s not an

official position but a generally accepted fact.
Skimbleshanks supervises and keeps an eye on the
driver, guards and bagmen.

“Sleeping Car Express” implies a luxurious train with

compartments for passengers to sleep, hinting at a
comfortable and smooth journey. Skimbleshanks is
vigilant and patrols around and also observes the
passengers in all the compartments.

Skimbleshanks has an almost supernatural awareness

of everything happening on the train.

Poem:

He will watch you without winking and he sees

what you are thinking

And it’s certain that he doesn’t approve

Of hilarity and riot, so the folk are very quiet

When Skimble is about and on the move.

You can play no pranks with Skimbleshanks!

He’s a Cat that cannot be ignored;

So nothing goes wrong on the Northern Mail

When Skimbleshanks is aboard.

Word Meaning:

folk: here, folk refers to people aboard the train

hilarity: amusement involving noisy laughter

riot: unbecoming behaviour /chaos

pranks: tricks

Explanation:

Skimbleshanks is very serious about his work. He stares

intently at everyone and he can read minds as well.
Everyone is quiet when Skimbleshanks is on his rounds
because he does not accept tricky behaviour. Nobody
dares to play pranks on him. Due to the watchful nature
of Skimbleshanks, nothing could go wrong on the train
when he is aboard.

Poem:

Oh, it’s very pleasant when you have found your

little den

With your name written up on the door.

And the berth is very neat with a newly folded

sheet

And there’s not a speck of dust on the floor.

There is every sort of light-you can make it dark
or bright;

There’s a handle that you turn to make a breeze.

There’s a funny little basin you’re supposed to

wash your face in

And a crank to shut the window if you sneeze.

Word Meaning:

den: small cabin

berth: a seat to sleep

speck: a tiny spot

crank: a bar and handle in the shape of I that you can

pull or turn

Explanation:

This stanza focuses on the passenger’s experience and

the comfort provided by the train compartment.

It is an absolute pleasure for the passengers to enter

the train compartment bearing their name. The berth is
neat with a freshly folded clean sheet.

The train has all kinds of facilities- a handle to open the

window to let the air in, a basin to wash your face and a
handle to shut the window if you find the breeze too
cold that makes you sneeze.
A vivid picture of a well-appointed and comfortable
train compartment is painted by details like
personalized names, clean bedding, adjustable lighting
highlights the luxurious nature of the Sleeping Car
Express.

Poem:

Then the guard looks in politely and will ask you

very brightly

“Do you like your morning tea weak or strong?”

But Skimble’s just behind him and was ready to

remind him,

For Skimble won’t let anything go wrong.

And when you creep into your cosy berth

And pull up the counterpane,

You ought to reflect that it’s very nice

To know that you won’t be bothered by mice –

You can leave all that to the Railway Cat,

The Cat of the Railway Train!

Word Meaning:

brightly: cheerfully

creep into: move softly

cosy: comfortable

reflect: think

bothered: troubled

counterpane: a bedspread

Explanation:

When passengers were settling in, a guard would come

to ask how they would like their morning tea- weak or
strong. Skimble would be right behind the guard to
ensure that he gets the passengers morning tea as per
their liking because if the guard forgets, Skimble could
remind him.

As passengers pull off the bedspread to sleep in their

cosy berth, they can be assured that there would be no
mice under their bed, all thanks to the railway cat. Thus
with Skimble around, nothing could go wrong.

Overall, the stanza emphasizes passenger comfort and

subtly connects it to Skimbleshanks’ presence. The
humor lies in his self-importance and the implication
that even small details like tea service fall under his
watchful eye. The readers have a sense of security and
appreciation for Skimbleshanks’ unique role on the
train.
Poem:

In the watches of the night he is always fresh

and bright;

Every now and then he has a cup of tea

With perhaps a drop of Scotch while he’s keeping

on the watch,

Only stopping here and there to catch a flea.

You were fast asleep at Crewe and so you never

knew

That he was walking up and down the station;

You were sleeping all the while he was busy at

Carlisle,

Where he greets the stationmaster with elation.

But you saw him at Dumfries, where he speaks to

the police

Word Meaning:

flea: a blood-sucking insect

elation: excited cheerfulness

Explanation:
This stanza portrays Skimbleshanks’ dedication and
tireless work ethic throughout the night, using some
interesting imagery and humor.

Skimble is alert and fresh. This is because he has tea,

possibly with a shot of alcohol. He only stops to catch a
stray flea on the train.

While all passengers on board are fast asleep, Skimble

inspects the station at Crewe, happily greets the
stationmaster at Carlisle and inquiries after policemen
at Dumfries.

Overall, the stanza paints a picture of Skimbleshanks as

a dedicated and vigilant protector. He remains alert
and active throughout the night, taking small breaks for
refreshments and personal needs. The contrast
between the passengers’ sleep and his activity
emphasises his unseen contribution to the smooth
running of the train journey.

Poem:

If there’s anything they ought to know about:

When you get to Gallowgate there you do not

have to wait –

For Skimbleshanks will help you to get out!

He gives you a wave of his long brown tail

Which says: “I’ll see you again!

You’ll meet without fail on the Midnight Mail

The Cat of the Railway Train.”

Word Meaning:

wave: movement to say or suggest something

Explanation:

When the train finally stops at Gallowgate, Skimble

helps the passengers to get off the train. He waves his
long brown tail to bid farewell to the passengers. His
tail appears to say till we meet again and you are sure
to meet the railway cat aboard the Midnight Mail on
your next journey.

Overall, this stanza creates a sense of a bond or

connection between Skimbleshanks and the passenger.
It leaves the reader with a positive and memorable
impression of the cat and his role on the train. The
poem ends by emphasizing the cyclical nature of the
journey and the possibility of future encounters with
Skimbleshanks, the ever-present guardian of the
Midnight Mail.

Title Analysis of the Poem Skimbleshanks: The

Railway Cat
The title effectively introduces the poem’s main
character and establishes the backdrop of the cat being
a railway cat. Skimbleshanks is an unusual name for a
cat and the image of a “railway cat” invites the reader
to approach the poem with a sense of wonder and
amusement.

By placing Skimbleshanks’ name first, the title

emphasizes his importance as the central character.
The title clarifies that the poem is about a cat named
Skimbleshanks and its connection to the railway. It sets
the stage for a story that unfolds within the world of
trains and travel.

Hence, the title of the poem is apt.

Theme of Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat

Perfectionism
Skimbleshanks is a perfectionist who deeply cares for
every passenger’s railway experience. He arrives at the
scene just in time so that the train leaves on schedule.
He supervises everyone on-board and ensures there is
peace and quiet on the train so that the passengers can
sleep well. He ensures the experience is perfect with
the berth is very neat with a newly folded sheet
And there’s not a speck of dust on the floor.

Skimbleshanks is such a perfectionist that he can judge

the thoughts and needs of the passengers just by
looking at their faces. He does not differentiate
between the passengers travelling in the first class and
the third class compartment.
Nothing is hidden from the railway cat,
Skimbleshanks.

Duty and Responsibility

Skimbleshanks, the railway cat, takes his job very
seriously. The poem highlights the importance of
dedication and finding pride in fulfilling one’s
responsibilities. Skimbleshanks’ dedication and
efficiency make him a vital part of the train’s operation.

Figure of Authority
Skimbleshanks stands for an authority figure, who plays
a very important role in the smooth functioning of the
train. He is kind and benevolent and demands respect.
He appears just in time and then the train’s signal turns
green. It then heads north. Being an authority figure he
influences all the railway men.

From the driver and the guards to the bagmen playing

cards

He will supervise them all, more or less

The authority figure needs to be aware at all times. He

examines the faces of all passengers irrespective of the
compartment class they travel in. He is so sharp that
he knows what all someone is thinking just by looking
at the face.

Skimbleshanks checks the stations and collects news

from the stationmaster and policemen while all the
passengers are fast asleep. Everyone can sleep
peacefully with the assurance that the authority figure
is taking care of everything.

Train Journey
The train is a night train from London to Scotland
across the length of Britain. Skimbleshanks’ ensures a
comfortable train journey for all passengers.

The compartments in the train are neat and clean.

Compartments have lights that could be made dim or
bright. The cabin has a fan, a washbasin and a window
handle to open and shut the window close. The guards
are polite and inquire about passenger’s preference for
tea.

The passengers have a good night’s sleep and when

the destination arrives, Skimbleshanks ensures that all
passengers get off the train with ease and promises
another luxurious journey when the passenger takes
this train again.

For Skimbleshanks will help you get out!

He gives you a wave of his long brown tail

Setting of the Poem Skimbleshanks: The Railway

Cat

Skimbleshanks is described as “The Railway

Cat”, who lives on the Night Mail, an overnight
express train that travels on the British West
Coast Main Line between London Euston and
Glasgow Central (Scotland). There are references
in the poem of a number of stations of England
and Scotland like Crewe, Carlisle, Dumfries and
Gallowgate that establish the setting as 20th
century England.

The poem begins at a station at 11.39 at night when

the train is about to depart but cannot do so without
Skimbleshanks. Finally, the train leaves the station at
11.42 when Skimbleshanks appears from the luggage
van.

There are a number of words related to a train

journey like Night Mail, Sleeping Car Express, the
station-master, the first and third class, the
Northern mail, cosy berth etc. Besides, the
facilities provided in the train to make the
journey pleasant and safe for the passengers,
immediately connect the readers and they
imagine that they themselves are a part of the
train journey.

Narration Style of Skimbleshanks: The Railway

Cat

The poem is a narrative poem, because it tells a

story. It is also a descriptive poem as it describes
the main character, Skimbleshanks.

The poem is narrated in third person. Although it

is not possible to identify who the speaker is, it
may be a passenger who often travels by
Midnight Mail since he knows exactly how the
passengers are treated onboard the train and
what Skimbleshanks does throughout the
journey.
“So nothing goes wrong on the Northern Mail

When Skimbleshanks is aboard.”

Besides, the narrative has successfully portrayed

a comfortable journey at night that the
passengers experience while aboard a Night Mail
train. There is no noise or disturbance at all.

Rhyme Scheme
The rhyming pattern used in the poem is ABCBDEFE.

There’s a whisper down the line at 11.39

When the Night Mail’s ready to depart,

Saying “Skimble where is Skimble has he gone to hunt

the thimble?

We must find him or the train can’t start.”

All the guards and all the porters and the

stationmaster’s daughters

They are searching high and low,

Saying “Skimble where is Skimble for unless he’s very

nimble

Then the Night Mail just can’t go.”

At 11.42 then the signal’s nearly due

And the passengers are frantic to a man –

Then Skimble will appear and he’ll saunter to the rear:

He’s been busy in the luggage van!

Rhythm

The poet doesn’t only use rhyme at the end of lines,

but he also uses internal rhyme in every alternate line.
For example-

Skimble and nimble

Appear and near
Guards and cards
Paces and faces
Winking and thinking
Riot and quiet
Light and bright

Foreshadowing: The line “You’ll meet without fail

on the Midnight Mail” foreshadows
Skimbleshanks’ continued presence in the
reader’s future journeys.

Poetic Devices in Skimbleshanks: The Railway

Cat

Alliteration – the repetition of a consonant sound at

the start of closely placed words.
“He will watch you without winking and he sees what
you are thinking”

“Saying “Skimble where is Skimble for unless he’s very

nimble”

Imagery
It refers to the words and phrases used to help the
reader form images that focus on their sense of smell,
touch, sight, hearing and taste.

The poem provides vivid details through descriptive

language “newly folded sheet” creating a sense of
comfort and cleanliness.

“And the berth is very neat with a newly folded sheet

And there’s not a speck of dust on the floor.”

Another visual imagery in the poem is when

Skimbleshanks’ eyes are described as green like the
green signal of the train. He flashes his eyes and the
signal mimics the colour of his eyes.

“He gives one flash of his glass-green eyes

And the signal goes “All Clear!”

Hyperbole
Hyperbole refers to exaggeration.
“And we’re off at last for the northern part

Of the Northern Hemisphere!”

The northern part of the Northern Hemisphere is the

North Pole. This is an exaggeration and implies that the
train goes to the northernmost part of Britain.

Metaphor
“In the watches of the night he is always fresh and
bright” uses a metaphor to describe Skimbleshanks’
alertness throughout the night.

Personification
To personify is to give an animal or inanimate object
human traits.

In the poem, Skimbleshanks is described as a human

being. He is a figure of great importance in the train’s
operation.

Skimbleshanks is shown “greeting the

stationmaster” and “speaking to the police,”
giving him human-like qualities that showcase
his role as an unofficial guardian.

“Where he greets the stationmaster with elation.

But you saw him at Dumfries, where he speaks to the

police”
When the guard asks the passengers about his
preference of tea,

…..But Skimble’s just behind him and was ready to

remind him

so that the guard does not forget the passenger’s

preference and the passengers have a good travel
experience.

Skimbleshanks is described with human actions and

behaviours again-

“he has a cup of tea

With perhaps a drop of Scotch”

He drinks tea, when he keeps watch, greets the

stationmaster, and speaks to the police. This makes
him seem more important and in charge.