A tale from the past that is true,
A fight was arranged and was due.
Two miners had had a dispute,
Outside Top Club, not far from the 'Stute.

A difference in ages could clearly be seen
The older one ready, the younger as keen.
After minutes of fighting, the older one stopped,
His breathing was wheezy, his breath was all chopped.
He asked for a stop, to gather some air,
The younger obliged, to do right, to be fair.

A breather was had. Again the fight started,
No quarter was asked and none was imparted.
The older one, gasping, asked for a pause,
His breathing again that was the cause.
The younger one, this time, had no patience to stand,
Bent down to the older and gave him a hand.

Stood him up straight and walking away
Looked at the older and felt bound to say,
Your lungs are all choked, there's dust on your chest,
We'll not fight any more. Go home and rest.

© Ben Davies - April 2004