The third selection by our guest editor Kinsman had a very direct appeal. They said "On a personal note, I live in Stalybridge which has historically been a centre of protest and campaigning for civil rights among workers. For me the most effective political protest draws upon our histories. This poem very much understands it … Continue reading J.B, a Checkout Operator meets Factory Girl, E.H.
Tag: industrial history
Women of Steel by Rachel Bower
For an audio version of this poem, please click here. Women of Steel We are sisters who clank through the streets on rustless feet and chain-linked arms the deep pull of ore in our loins – calls of ancestors deep in the rocks of yolk and plum and rust. I polish her toes ‘til they … Continue reading Women of Steel by Rachel Bower
Two poems by Tom Moody
Playing with Fire In childhood, summer fires would sweep the mineral line, bringing the local brigade bell-clanging down our road. Whooping in their wake a comet tail of kids. In those days of steam a stoker’s fag-end ash, a stray glead, could easily kindle the straw-dry grass. With snapped Elder branch, or a borrowed … Continue reading Two poems by Tom Moody
Dreams of Children by Ralph Dartford
Dreams of Children Walking up the hill to the poetry class, talking to myself as if a mad man, of how tonight I will encourage the students to write vivid and historical verse. I’m trying to remember the words to Strange Fruit and also to turn my willpower over to a god of my own understanding. It’s … Continue reading Dreams of Children by Ralph Dartford
Britannia Corner by Rob Walton
britannia corner and so it came to pass that all roads lead to scunthorpe and brumby and ashby and frodingham and crosby and the five villages chose the choicest name and all the people moved to scunthorpe and it was the hub and centre of all the new good things made from iron ore and … Continue reading Britannia Corner by Rob Walton
Tell-Tale Colours by Heather Wastie
Tell-tale colours In the carpet capital of the world, Brian is studying the Stour, today's mix of colours from a multitude of dyes. His dad would make the joke that if Jellymans dumped a yellow and Carpet Trades a blue, Brintons would get green. Every day the smell of wet wool would arrive … Continue reading Tell-Tale Colours by Heather Wastie
Celebrating Change 