Wigan Album

"Sally at the Helm."

Sir Peter Clough from Sussex Downs, once Chief of General Staff
And now I write of service seen, with soldiers smart not'arf.

Sally Brown on Wigan Vale, I'd sung for those retired
I'll soon compete on father's field, in 'combat' coat expired.

I watched you pass, late yesterday, your horse it pulled for more
And then it smashed my fence apart outside the smithy door!

Your flailing arms and needless huff, my 'lad' has not withstood
Now Ajax paws a front white sock, bleat calmly, if you would.

My shortened reach upon his blaze, the mood now less intense
So now, perhaps, your due concern, for yonder shored-up fence.

You'll see your fence, in place again, on Bill's return from kale
He'd also fixed our chancel screen, but cursed the ill-struck nail.

Your able hand indeed he is, but trite is not for now;
A merry quip in time of woe, lays bare 'the stubborn plough'.

You deem our kind unfairly, Sir, my parents rest indoor
Of humour's ride on painful scar, we're well-aware, and more.

I'll take my leave, now here's my card, … and see your 'combat' mended
My trouser leg bore several marks, once broken-fence-appended.

I'll tote your card oer father's field, my pocket holding, … just
My Paisley scarf has fared less well, once Ajax-roughly-brushed.