Worcestershire Poet Laureate Jay Rose Ana has been inspired by the forthcoming Bewdley Express commuter trial starting in September and has written a special poem anticipating the first trip!

Before the Wheels Turn

Before the wheels turn.

Before the doors open.

Before the first light finds the track,

and our county begins to wake.

There is a moment

when a journey is still only an idea,

a destination waiting on the board,

a platform holding its breath.

Before the first ticket finds its pocket,

the first coffee warms a hand,

the first good morning is exchanged,

someone has imagined another way.

We can take a breath.

Outside the window,

our county awaits,

river, rooftop, field and tree,

familiar places seen differently.

Your morning brew

now feels more like you,

and your journey reveals

how close somewhere can feel.

And all that wonder is waiting,

whilst you sit back and relax,

taking in the beautiful view,

for that moment of possibility.

Before the wheels turn.

There’s more information on the West Midlands Railway Bewdley Express trial page.

About Jay Rose Ana

Jay Rose Ana is a poet, writer and spoken-word performer, and Worcestershire Poet Laureate for 2026–27. Her laureateship is built around Connection, Community and Voice, and much of her work involves responding creatively to the people and places of the county.

Recent work has included the Worcester Cathedral Ferry, Worcester Repair Café, Worcester Guildhall and Pride, alongside performances at Ledbury and appearances on BBC Hereford & Worcester. Jay Rose Ana also performed and written in Bewdley.

jayroseana.com