The Pit's a Deadly Place

The coal pits of yester-year in Wales.......... "Good morning Mrs Williams", Good morning Mr Grey. I see David's growing real fast, Yes! He's starting work today. Well you are twelve years old now son, And you're working on the face. Just listen to what the others say, For the pit's a deadly place. You'll need to see the foreman, Mr Morgan is his name. His eldest lad died down the pit, What an awful bloody shame. We need to get your Davey lamp, Your hobnails and your pick. Hey Dad, my hands are sweating now, And I'm feeling real sick. Don't worry Son, I'm at your side, You'll soon be feeling well. I could never let you come to harm, Coz' your Mam would give me hell. Just step into the lift now boy, Close your eyes and breathe in slow. To the blackness never seen up top, Then the Davey's welcome glow. The stench of urine, sick and sweat, As the lift comes to a stop. The eeriness of years gone by, Made me wish I'd stayed up top. After many years of mining, With my lungs beyond repair. The dust has left its horrid mark, From that dark satanic air. Yes! The pit it payed us wages, Though a piece we had to pay. Emphysema and needless deaths, As my life slowly ebbs away........... © TheScarletBard - all rights reserved