Best Durham Poems
TRIMDON GRANGE EXPLOSION *
( 16 FEB 1882, DURHAM, ENGLAND )
Noo March is heor and the wind she’s cowld *
But the sixty nine sowls divvent feel it - strange
Theor noo wheor they feel nee cowld and nivver get owld
Since they gave theor sowls at Trimdon Grange.
Last month on that bad sixteenth day
Owld Widow Burnett went to church to pray
For the three fine sons she once cherished
Noo, aal too soon, they hev aal perished
In thet dusty pit the rolleyways worn’t proper wattored *
And in the Harvey Seam - a thoosand foot doon
And three miles lang - that’s aal thet mattored.
The goaves * wor filled wi’ gas and the dust wes aal around.
They winnet be gannin yem nee maor *
Nor scrannin theor supper o’ pan hagglety *
Nor hengin theor coats yon under the staor
Nor scoffin theor bait and sugary tea
Wor footbaal tyem’s gannin tiv miss the lads
Joseph, Geordie, and James and the fower Broons
We’ll nivver forgit what gyems we had
And when we skelped Hartlepool Toon *
At Durham Big Meetin as the bands made a start
And the teams showed theor best to the crood
We were cowpin wor creels in the clart *
and shootin the odds o’ Hartlepool oot lood.
Oh weel, they left hame that morning to eorn theor daily bread;
Noo theor scrannin in a place where danger is nee maor.
Sixty nine men and boys wor numbered wi the dead.
Aye, death will pay us aal a visit : they hev ownly gone befaor.
…………………………………………………………………………
* One of the worst coal mining disasters in England
* The dialect is known as “Geordie” and is still widely known today in the UK. It
is the dialect of my own childhood, sadly now heavily overlain with standard English.
* Watering kept the explosive dust under control
* A goaf was a working gallery in the mine
* Pan hagglety - a fried mutton dish
* The Trimdon Grange soccer team beat Hartlepool’s team the previous year.
* They won’t be going home any more
* Doing somersaults on the muddy ground
Categories:
durham, death, history,
Form:
Verse
If his old hands could talk, my what a story they could tell.
The only life he's known, has been brutal, pages taken straight out of hell.
Yet you never heard a complaint he just took whatever life dealt out.
And during the hardest of times he never once let his family do without.
His old hands were rough, calloused, and many times bloody and raw.
But his heart was soft, pure, loving, and kind, almost perfect without any flaw.
No bitterness could be found it was just not his way.
He wasn't real religious but I know he loved the Lord and knowing him I feel that it was okay.
His only vice was a 5 cent bag of Bull Durham smoking tobacco when he had the price.
I've heard him cuss but he'd always tell me you don't repeat that cause it ain't nice.
He'd get up before daylight and walk miles to work.
Then usually after dark he'd return home, but his duties he would never shirk!
Those were childhood memories of a better place and better times,
memories of my grandpa when he was still in his prime.
He was my hero and to this day a better man I have yet to meet,
I miss him a lot, and just knowing him has made my life better and filled memories that no one can ever delete!
Thanks Pa!
Categories:
durham, dedication, family, happiness, life,
Form:
Verse
An old cowpoke throwed his leg over the well-worn saddle horn,
And tilted back his ten-gallon hat that was sweat-stained and worn.
From his shirt pocket he took a Bull Durham tobacco pouch,
And with one hand made a roll-yer-own - at that he was no slouch!
"Son", he drawled, "I'd be much obliged if'n you'd lend me yer ears,
Whilst my hoss old Dan an' me take a break frum brandin' them steers.
You see, I've spent nigh on fifty years ropin' dogies an' fixin' fences,
Ridin' ever' day in rain, snow an' dust over these wild expanses!"
"I ain't never gonna git rich workin' fer fifty bucks a month an' chuck,
But I'm a helluva lot happier than them city fellers a-chasin' th' buck!
They jes' sits at their desks starin' at a computer screen ever' day.
I gits to see them mountains ever' day yonder across th' way!"
"Cowboyin' is hard an' dirty work an' I shore ain't in it fer th' pay!
I live in a rustic bunkhouse with six other fellers when I hits th' hay!
Durin' lightnin' an' thunderstorms I've had to calm th' restless herd,
An' I've drove 'em through ragin' blizzards 'til my eyes wuz blurred!"
"Well, I reckon I'd better git back to work a-fore th' boss gits on my back.
He's a purty square shooter but don't cut me a great deal uv slack!"
With that the weathered cowpoke said, "Giddy up!", gave the reins a jerk,
And the old cowboy and his faithful hoss Dan trotted back to work!
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved
Placed No. 1 in Tirzah Conway's "A Cowboy Is" Contest - March 2011
Categories:
durham, day, me, old, work,
Form:
Rhyme
DURHAM BULLS
A triple-A minor league team,
most remember Bull Durham the movie.
I, the most spectacular firework set,
in the stormy sky. The kind of lightening show,
I think I shall never see again. The stands erupted
with screams and yells
“Chicken! Chicken! Chicken”
Well, we are in the South, with their choice of entertainment.
Looking left and right, wondering at the uproar.
The ground wet, the sky still, a mini diamond
for a balking bird, a mascot of sorts,
running bases, while the crowd cheers.
The game back on, after sweeping away flood waters.
Every home run produces red eyes and a snort, steam
aggressively fighting from the nostrils of the famous bull.
My young nephew,
proudly walks away with a team jacket.
Whether the game was won or lost, I don’t remember,
except we had such fun. Our American past time,
memories last forever.
2/21/2017
Categories:
durham, baseball, family, weather,
Form:
Narrative
“Half church of God, half castle ‘gainst
the Scot”,
Sir Walter Scott enthused when from this bridge
he wondered at the majesty of Durham,
as so did I, and countless youthful eyes
before and since, bright futures beckoning.
She must have revelled in this lovely place,
her footsteps would no doubt have often paused
as from these ancient stones she’d gaze awhile
and thank the fates that held her eager hand.
For a few brief moments she would relish
as did I, and then forever cherish
those golden years. But now a cruel wind
has torn her from this earthly world.
Bereft, we can but pray she’s looking down,
reflecting fondly on the joys she knew,
on memories beloved and pleasures shared,
and maybe, through the mists of time there shines
a vision of this special place, and happier times.
Categories:
durham, bereavement, heartbreak, loss, memory,
Form:
Free verse
Can Hardly Wait
Remember when I did have a delightful dream
About such a smooth running soothing stream;
Drifted down and into river soon started to feed;
Sorted through seeming to fulfill my each need.
God created and designed a miracle only for me
Which was to release my soul and set heart free,
So that in Him could continue to steadily believe
Everything about God always and gently receive.
Enjoyed and loved God's stream in many ways
While I would offer and give Him all my praise;
Am amazed at what God with my poems can do
I had written about dreams He made come true.
Even my famous friend who by many is refuted,
Much more into great poems God has included;
What a privilege it us for us to communicate;
Read next philosophical poem can hardly wait.
Jill and I will be leaving Raleigh-Durham airport
on May 17th heading for London. We will be staying
at Park Place Victoria Hotel. We then will be leaving
going through Stonehenge to South Hampton, England
where our ship the Crown Princess will be moored at.
It will be leaving on May 21st for Guernsey Island,
Ireland, Scotland, Normandy and back to South
Hampton. Hope to be seeing my world renown
poet friend Terry Cooper and his gorgeous wife June
on May 20th at his glorious home that is in Basildon,
Essex, England. Wanted to make sure his wife June
is doing okay.
James Thomas Horn, Retired American Veteran
Categories:
durham, best friend, inspirational,
Form:
Couplet
?https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=songs+sung+by+seekers+on+youtube&&view=detail&mid=BF0DD995658ED4A1B4BEBF0DD995658ED4A1B4BE&rvsmid=310680B7515B8BDD835E310680B7515B8BDD835E&FORM=VDQVAP&fsscr=0
This Is the End My Friend
No matter where I may have been,
If only I could go back to 60's again
Much music in heaven had been made
And through it all I still love to wade.
As I hear each note that they sing
Memories back to me they do bring
And then soon I notice and realize
Tears started flowing from my eyes.
Another deep breath in I did take
If only their music still could make
In my mind and ears hear it still
Again in heaven know that I will.
We are Australian Seekers
Judith Durham Farwell 1968
Jim Horn
Categories:
durham, allegory, analogy, appreciation,
Form:
Couplet
A properly equipped cowpoke is bound to impress the boss.
He'll need a mount of course and a silver-studded saddle fer his hoss.
He'll need some chaps to protect his jeans frum them pesky burrs,
And his outfit wouldn't be complete without a fancy pair of spurs!
A wide-brimmed Stetson is needed fer shelter frum the searin' sun.
It's also dandy fer feedin' oats to his hoss when their work is done.
He'll need a pair of Tony Lama boots with high heels and pointy toes,
And a bandana to keep the dust and bugs from a-pluggin' up his nose!
When on night patrol and the restless herd is spooked by lightnin' bright,
A harmonica is a handy gadget to soothe the herd frum takin' flight.
A coiled riata he'll need to corral them stampedin' wild cows.
He'll wear a pair of 44s to shoot rattlesnakes (if'n the boss allows)!
He'll need a couple of blankets fer sleepin' 'neath the canopy of stars,
And bags of Bull Durham fer roll-yer-owns and maybe a few cigars.
He'll need a heap of patience when gallopin' through the chaparral,
Roundin' up them frenzied dogies fer brandin' in the old corral!
He'll be a-chasin' cattle and a-fixin' fences thro' rain, sleet and snow.
He wonders sometimes why he cowboys - it sure ain't fer the dough!
He'll need lots of fortitude to abide "Cooky's" taters, bacon and beans,
But he'll keep at it 'til he's old and gray, 'cause cowboyin' is in his genes!
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(© All Rights Reserved)
Placed No. 10 in Giddy up! Little Dogies! Contest May 2010
Categories:
durham, cowboy-westernold, old,
Form:
Rhyme
They were strong men of steel
In flat caps and hobnail boots,
hunger pains all they could feel
dressed in Sunday best suits,
poor diet of potato and marrow
no more ships, unemployment high
for folk in northern town of Jarrow,
work needed government did deny,
Petition signed by many thousands
two hundred men three hundred miles
Poverty that no one else understands,
marchers met with help and smiles,
flags and banners above their heads
autumnal weather for them to contend
hardship ahead little food no beds,
a protest that MPs didn't comprehend
from Jarrow to London they did march
with hope in their minds, sores on feet,
to Downing Street via Marble Arch,
plight never debated, rejection no treat.
Two hundred men marched from Jarrow County Durham to London, started October 5th 1936, reached their destination on October 31st 1936, to deliver a petition asking the Government to create employment for the people on Tyneside, which was totally ignored but remembered by millions today.
Categories:
durham, betrayal, character, class, community,
Form:
Rhyme
*A true story. If you don’t like this, please ignore, because I will delete any rude comments.
As the Christmas season approaches with the new fresh fallen snow,
And there are thoughts of pretty scenes, nativity and wreathes we know,
As well as Santa bringing happiness and joy to children all around,
And the colorful lights that hang with such brightness to be found…
There is news coming from the Durham New Hampshire town:
That only brings heaviness, with a solemn, very sad, frown
No more Christmas wreaths on the lampposts will be allowed this year
No more Santa riding on the firetruck on his way, will be near
No more countdown to the lighting of the town Christmas tree
All because of a few complaints from offended people, you see!
So like the Grinch stole Christmas, things are now stolen here
But sadly, these people will not grow a heart like the Grinch, I fear
Because Obama started a transformation of America, people came unglued
Determined to transform our meaningful celebrations, they pursued!
You wonder why we fight for freedom, and the values of our home
I say to all the offended, we will never stop fighting, where we roam!
Heidi Sands
11/14/19
Categories:
durham, anger, angst, endurance, sad,
Form:
Rhyme
Land
All over this land there are people and families living.
Guys and gals living how they do.
Adding to the history of our nation.
In towns and villages, by the coast in small harbours and on isolated islands.
Young and old, happy and sad.
See them in their lives, so many past memories and future dreams.
We are them, they are us.
Some are parents, others kids doing what kids do.
Adults work to support their families, coal miners and soldiers, waitresses and bar girls.
Our country, home to so many people.
Shaped by war and forged in battle.
A third of the world was our empire.
Empire people settled here as decades pass.
Pages add to the story of England.
Day by day, dawn becoming dusk.
What will tomorrow bring for us all.
Joyous family life or perilous battle abroad?
Will you take a summer day trip to Chester or a winter holiday in Durham?
England here for us all to see.
So much to see and do.
You add to our history in your own way.
Categories:
durham, beauty, culture, england, history,
Form:
Free verse
short-eared durham owl
meditating over the dale's edge,
shadows the fields and folds
in elegant diurnal flight.
on windside,careful sight
may swoop to prey
and away.
your yellow broad-eyed look,
at once both sharp and distant,
holds me.
oh,silence,
oh ,wind on green,
oh. earth,
sky.
immense your held vision,
sphere without centre,
pied geometer of flight,
sketch your descent and ascent.
trees bunched by dry stone wall
call heart home.
Categories:
durham, nature,
Form:
Free verse
Funny , Loving , Caring,
Sister of Trish, Aleshia ,
Lover of Funny people , Art, Life,
Who feels sweet , loving, caring
Who needs A Million Dollars
Who gives helping people, love
Who fears pure dark, the future,
Who would like to see Eiffel Tower, statue of liberty,
Resident of Durham NC
Torres
Categories:
durham, ,
Form:
ABC
Having decided to move on he trekked onwards down to Lake Malawi pausing overnight
on its lush banks. Watching the animals and birds coming to drink in the fading light,
lions roaring nearby. Nearly time for them to hunt, an awesome display of their might.
Yet seldom messing with the elephants, little chance against their towering height.
Moving on come morning following the coast through Mozambique the ocean a pretty sight
murmuring waves lapping the coral white sands and forming pools an eel giving him a fright
Steadily heading south destination Durham. There to catch a clipper finding its berth tight.
Avoiding the bows where caught fast is a ray stinking worse than potato blight.
Blown off course, he sees Table mountain towering cast in tropical golden light
Impatient now to make up lost time the captain orders full sail and the ship takes flight
over the Indian Ocean watching the dolphins cavorting , they arrive at Port Hedland a welcome sight
Categories:
durham, adventure, africa, travel,
Form:
Monorhyme
The cowpokes is settled 'round the pot bellied stove all snug and warm,
A-bracin' fer snow and gales frum the advancin' winter storm.
Some enjoy Bull Durham roll-yer-owns, others terbaccy chaws.
They've shed their reekin' boots - the place rings with loud guffaws!
The boss 'lowed the norther would hit 'bout mid afternoon,
So he had 'em corral the herd that about the ranch wuz strewn.
The hosses wuz tended to, hay wuz scattered fer the cattle;
Now, settled in the bunkhouse, the winders began to rattle.
Angry clouds hid the peaks and scudded 'cross the Colorady plain.
Gales of wind shrieked and moaned causin' a most eerie strain!
Snow drifted higher and higher agin the ol' bunkhouse doors.
I'll take a heap o' shovelin' to tend to the mornin' chores!
Coffee wuz kept a-bilin' on the stove - it wuz black as tar.
One feller with a right smart voice sang, a-strummin' his git'tar.
A few played poker, takin' sips of 'shine frum a mason jar.
Other's hunkered in their bunks a-snorin' with their mouths ajar!
One ol' feller in the back room wuz a-takin' his monthly scrub,
While others cussed him out a-waitin' their turn in the tub.
Bein' snowbound ain't all that bad, they can cure their saddle sores.
Besides, it's a break frum the boss and his onerous daily chores!
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)
Categories:
durham, cowboy-western
Form:
Rhyme