On black slates and cobblestones
The sooty rain falls,
And the long rows of terraces
With stark red brick walls,
The rivers in gutters flow
It's still pouring down,
With smoke from the chimney tops
Above this old town.
The grey skies bring misery
There's nowhere to turn,
Light shines through window panes
As coal fires burn,
The bleak streets and empty yards
Where no children play,
There's nothing to smile about
So dull is the day.
The chains on the factory gates
No work can be found,
Hopes fell so long ago
On this solemn ground,
On black slates and cobblestones
The sooty rain falls,
And the long rows of terraces
With stark red brick walls.
ANDREW BLAKEMORE
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/black-slates-and-cobblestones/
