Trod Tracks.
Today folk amble along old mining tracks
Where once tin was dug and truck-hauled.
Inclines were handled by boys, blackened
In pit dust, scar-scored the young mauled
Overfull trucks while bal-maidens worked
Sorting rocks before loading, lovely young
Aproned girls, locks close-capped, skirted
Strict rules to taunt lads by lass-calls long
Ages back for cart- crews when tired sang
In required quiet chorus for minimal sound.
Jibing as shovel struck ore stone loud rang
With stifled giggles and no fun then allowed
Lengthy shifts meant larking at home-time.
Age early pock-marked all facing pit-shafts
Yet memory still haunts trod tracks to mines
On which children's past singing comes back
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Author:
Fay Slimm. (
Offline) - Published: July 20th, 2018 04:33
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 60
- Users favorite of this poem: Syd, Heartwriter
Offline)
Comments8
I come from a working class mining background Faye. I really enjoyed this piece.
Take care - Syd
A fine write Fay. I remember a very old notice from a workplace. it included: 'Working hours will be 7am to 6pm. Lunch is 30 mins, but work will then on no account cease'. And: 'A rota for the coal is drawn up to keep the fire in the office going through winter!'
I have trod some of those tracks over a number of years visiting your lovely county. Those engine houses partially ruined are full of the spirit of past industry. Our heritage. My family name comes from the area around Penzance in the far west. The engine house in your picture is reminiscent of one close to St Just where there are what appear to be ruined stables close by.
Yes, easily imagined childrens calls and play around such places.
Thank you for taking me back there with your delightful writing today.
I agree with the others. Descriptive beautiful recall of working mines. We have abandoned coal mines here too. This was dangerous work and unhealthy environments for those who rode the tracks and mined the coal. Lovely remembrance Fay!
Wonderful write Fay, those that worked the mines will always be remembered.
Thanks FAY for reminding o those who slaved to make BRITAIN GREAT ! There are evidences all over the Country. It will a shame when the last traces are removed to make way for AIRPORTS & MOTORWAYS. In the 21st C very little is sacred ! Yours BRIAN & ANGELA Love the PICTURE and the complementary shape of the Poem ! Love the cadences in the Poem. Please check "MADE IN MICHIGAN" ~ Thanks A & B
hard labor is something to be respected.
Superb descriptive work Fay
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