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THE CAGE
As you wander round the sights many things you see,
The cages are all small and fear runs right through me,
How many workers could fit in side, maybe just one
What if something happens when the work is done?

Were they safe and strong, did they shake and sway?
Maybe hit the side of the shaft is a very scary way,
Were the only lights, hat lights or a lantern’s shine,
How many brave men were scared to go into the mine?

Look how flimsy they seem, hardly any protection at all,
A stretched or breaking cable could cause a nasty fall,
And if the cage was unable to work how did they get out?
Not all had an adit for escape, did they panic and shout?

I wonder if they even thought about these things at all,
Or did it become part of life as the alarm clock did call
Them to go to work the silver and other types of ore find,
I am not sure that I could block the fear from my mind.

(Millicent) Ann Margetson 14 September 2005