The bridge does span the waterway <br />The Longwood basin calm, <br />With fields of green that run beside <br />The way to Calder Farm, <br />Now several barges moored upon <br />The languid Hay Head side, <br />White Diamond and Rebecca to <br />The shaded bank are tied. <br /> <br />I walk towards the keeper's house <br />Then stop and contemplete, <br />On all the many vessels that <br />Have been through this old gate, <br />I think of all the days gone by <br />And old familiar signs, <br />When waterways were laden with <br />The coal from Cannock mines. <br /> <br />All heading to the foundry works <br />To fire the furnace steel, <br />So many had to pass this way <br />And turn this old cogged wheel, <br />That opened up this lock gate then <br />Saw waters rise and fall, <br />Then onward on their journey hence <br />Towards their port of call. <br /> <br />No longer do the horses pull <br />The barges toil and strain, <br />Nor walk along the tow-path here <br />Day in day out again, <br />It is so quiet and peaceful now <br />Yet still the remnants last, <br />Of days of smoking chimney stacks <br />And times of ages passed.<br /><br />ANDREW BLAKEMORE<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-bridge-does-span-the-waterway/
