Who is in charge of the clattering train?

The axles croak and the couplings strain;

And the pace is hot,and the points are near,

And sleep has deadened the driver's hear,

And the signals flash through the night in vain,

For Death is in charge of the clattering train.

-----Anonymous

Winston Churchill was noted to have quoted this poem on several occasions. I have always loved the ring of it, especially when I think of Churchill in his statesman like brogue, deliver it. The meaning of the poem can be applied to several venues in today's world.