The Bridge Does Span The Waterway

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