Louis Spence Poet Epic

BLACKIE

Me father was a collier, worked Harton off the coast 
Though he rattled from the coal dust he was whiter than a ghost 
But the one thing that reviled him in his God-forsaken post
Was the torment of the pit ponies who he'd love and trust the most.

Shetlands worked the low seams, Gallers the big pit 
And they toiled in dust and danger in the darkness and the grit 
Blinkered up between the limbers, heaving coal, tubs full of it 
Were the brave young beasts of burden, all a-frothing at the bit.

And Blackie was a strong 'un, he'd  been down since '34  
But he earned the lads good bonus so they worked him more and more 
Till the weight buckled his legs and he stumbled to the floor 
And he just laid there a-panting, all a-choking in his craw.

Ah me Da would bring them sugar and share with them his bait, 
Now his mind was torn with fury and his heart was filled with hate
So raging black with anger he made the butchers wait 
And he vowed he'd take the pony back up with him in the crate  
 
Then Da's no longer digging, they locked him up you see, 
For misappropriating mineowners property, 
But you cannot cage a conscience, he'd set the brave one free, 
From the bittered, blackened hellhole that had been his slavery..   

Now Blackie's in the meadow with horses by his side
When the miners bring their children down he takes them for a ride  
And he passes by the pithead and the place he nearly died 
And he brays a silent prayer for the others still inside  
For the broken, bloodied ponies and the tears yet to be cried 

There's torment in them ponies down the mine, Hear me well, lad 
There's torment in them ponies down the mine, Hear me well, lad
There's torment in them ponies down the mine. 

HEAR ME SING THIS IN CONCERT ON YOUTUBE: 'Louis Spence.Ballard of Blackie' 

THANK YOU.

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Donna Oakley April 17, 2024 at 2:51 AM This is the song/poem that made me listen intently and hang on to every word. The story is told so well. I can see it unfold in my mind as I listen. It's my favourite of yours.

Shadow Hamilton November 25, 2014 at 6:11 AM strong write highlighting the needless suffering of a most noble animal Louis well penned hugs

Carol Sunshine Brown November 12, 2010 at 11:53 AM Congratulations on your poetry making it through the first round of the Poetrysoup site contest Louis. The best to you in the finals. Love, Carol

James Peranteau November 10, 2010 at 2:31 PM This is a very powerful poem dear poet, I enjoyed it tremendously ! Congratulations on the feature this week ! much love, james Louis Spence May 28, 2011 at 8:33 AM Many thanks, James for your time and your kindness. Louis

Carol Sunshine Brown November 8, 2010 at 10:42 AM Congratulations on your poem being featured this week Louis. Love, Carol

Kirsty Prophet September 20, 2009 at 4:00 PM really enjoyed this work. it had a nice uplifting ending. keep up the good work :) , Kirsty. Louis Spence May 28, 2011 at 8:34 AM Many thanks to you Kirsty for your time and your kind comments. Louis

Carolyn Devonshire September 14, 2009 at 1:22 PM Louis, I had no idea polies were used to haul coal in the mines. Your Dad was certainly a strong man to pursue such an occupation and his kindness to Blackie and the other ponies has surely earned him a special place in God's heart. What an amazing poem this is; I hope many others read it for it's very enlightening and beautifully penned. Love, Carolyn Louis Spence May 28, 2011 at 8:32 AM Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review this piece. Have a great weekend. Louis