THE ROAD FROM GORTON
(Composed 1973; manuscript given to Editor 1973 but since lost; reconstructed from memory. I can not be sure that this poem is complete or that I have remmebered the stanzas in the correct order.)The road from Gorton’s muck and grime
Is hard and elemental.
To help you on your weary climb
You’ve got the old Great Central.
The road’s too hard and flaming long,
There never was a short ’un;
The old Great central, right or wrong
’S the quickest road from Gorton.
Oh life is earnest, life is real,
There’s freedom if you earn it.
So put your shoulder to the wheel,
Thank God we’ve steam to turn it!
What else in Gorton’s worth a damn?
A fact there’s no denying,
For what d’ you see from t’ bloody tram?
Just brick and mortar dying!
And work in Gorton, staying put,
You think that that's an answer?
Well, you'll find Gorton in your gut
Is growing like a cancer.
But thunder through this moorland bright
And life is more forgiving.
The engine shouting through the night
Is even worth the living.
So pack up, lad; she’s running free,
This pleasure’s dearly boughten
Put down your shovel, lad, and see
We’re MILES away from Gorton!
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