I had forgotten this one, but this is the last, others have been written relating to my coalmining life but with no Irish context, and this one was tucked away in the "Coal Place". SOULS OF COPPER In a timely distance now hardly known I recall a time then hardly grown When proud I walked the climbing road, In the shadow of a greater man's load. Maybe thousands before had made this haul But none had walked it half as tall. I intended in life to play my part And that very day would bring the start. The cold and rain weren't there that day Excitement of mind had banished away. Leaving but one thought and that alone Of a life to be hewn from the cold dark stone. This mountain track then caused no tears, Not quite the same climb of future years. The engine house came rushing into view Clutched to the mountain supported by Yew. These first strides made through gorse in golds Those final steps where a darker umber unfolds, The mouth of the mountain that once gave a greeting Later exposed in its friendship so fleeting. With living lantern I entered the dying light A black hidden world slowly adjusted my sight. My father forward with a well-learned stoop Followed in fear a newly recruited troop. One thousand paces on a downward slope Seemed as fifty miles to my father's stope. Shadows that danced in the flickering light. My father subduing most thoughts of fright. Little I did but watch this miner in awe In near disbelief at the strained effort I saw. I knew that these toilings were destined to be An inheritance of years handed over to me Forty years passed over, my father as well. What once was a comfort is now close to hell. The workings as deep as ever they'll get Two weeks ago the murderous water she met. She welcomed the water and a marriage was made My role in the game was finally played. The challenge of effort our pump engine defeated With tears, through ancient gorse I sadly retreated. Daz Beattie 19th October 2002