What is a Colliery? A small boy asked a question I never thought I'd hear From a child of a Welsh valley, It could make you shed a tear. Just a simple question Said so innocently, As he asked his grandfather 'What is a colliery ?' His grandad took him walking On land once more grown green. Only rubble now remained Where the mine had been. 'This was a colliery,my boy.' He told his young grandson. 'For twenty years I worked below. Now it all has gone, Though it gave work to many men With families to keep It could take their health or life Sometimes, coal's price was steep'. 'But valley life is different now. In some ways it is sad. There isn't the community That I knew as a lad When men from almost every home Became one family As they all worked together In that colliery. Pamela Evans.
Note: I am from a Welsh valley town. When I was born, over fifty years ago, it was like the film "How Green Was My Valley." There were many deep mines in South Wales then. Now, apart from Tower colliery in Hirwaun, they have all gone. There have been many changes (not all for the better,) but the valleys are still green and beautiful. 2004.
My Poetry Website.
"FROM WATERFALLS TO RAINBOWS"
http://pamspoems.topcities.com