We Create: Poetry

These poems were created by John Beal and are inspired by the history and heritage of Mexborough .

Mexborough Station

When Thomas Schofield walked along
the platforms of Mexborough Station
he heard the elated locomotive song
when Thomas Schofield walked along
as the train halted beside the throng
united, they greeted Iron Hague in jubilation
when Thomas Schofield walked along
the platforms of Mexborough Station

2-3/9/2021

The Battle Hymn Of The Republic Of Mexborough

Not a cloud hides the view
between banks of Don
and Mexbro’ castle strong and true
where the loyal armoured throng
defend the land where they belong

Betwixt Don and Dearne
the lights of Mexborough shine
on grime-coated workers young and old
a faithful people with hearts so bold

Mexborough voices from ages past
describe their lives and times
so all their stories should last
paper and pen we gladly prime
to set them in song and rhyme

Betwixt Don and Dearne
the lights of Mexborough shine
on grime-coated workers young and old
a faithful people with hearts uncold

From the crowd erupts a yell
as each a life story they begin
of moulding clay-brick one would tell
another of glass-blowing foundry din
while vicar preaches of mortal sin

Betwixt Don and Dearne
the lights of Mexborough shine
on grime-coated workers young and old
a faithful people with hearts of gold

19-24-08-2021

The Ferrymen

Hoppy and Bent Knees
Ferrymen across the Don
after a session at the Ferryboat pub
saw the headless ghost of a cavalier man
and then the hanging spirit of a young girl
two minds sent into a frenzied whirl
petrified, so that neither ran
hair raised as a cigar stub
stood as if set in stone
extremely ill at ease

16/9/21

Our We Create project ran from March 2020 until June 2022. Over the last two years we’ve created everything from podcasts & soundscapes, allotment art sessions, historic & poetic rambles with Ian McMillan & Mexborough & District Heritage Society, weekly Zoom sessions, & more recently, weekly creative sessions at Mexborough Resource Centre. Find out more about We Create and explore some of the other amazing artwork produced by participants here.

All poems (c) John Beal 2021.