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Pit Pals

from Valley Home by Joe Vickers

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about

Prior to the introduction of the Big Bertha electric locomotives, Shetland ponies were the pulling force for hauling coal cars throughout the shafts of the mines. The pit ponies endured the most labourous task, but the men treated them with great respect. After all, not only did the efforts of the pit ponies ensure a working wage for the miners, but their uncanny intuition for danger served as a warning beacon for pending disasters. During the World Wars when coal production was operating all year round, there were a handful of pit ponies that were born in the mine’s stables. They were born into the hostile working environment and did not see the light of day until the end of the war.

lyrics

n the pits of the Monarch
In their stable I was born
At the end of the hungry Thirties
At the start of the second war

I was trained to be a leader
Of a driving spike team
Six full years of pulling and hauling
Before daylight shone upon me

At the command of your whistle
I knew where to wait
Right next to my harness and buckles
Where we began our work days

My intuition warned
Of tragedy below
I did my darnedest to keep our names
Off of that forsaken honour roll

Our partnership was strong
It was never in doubt
Despite the love we had for another
It was never talked about

Your wife was a darling
There always was without fail
An extra slice of rhubarb pie
Packed for me within your lunch pail

You mended my footwear
Whenever I tossed a shoe
The brushing of your callused fingers
Calmed me down whenever I was spooked

We worked through the hard times
We shared a few close calls
Like the head-on trip we derailed for
Oh lord, we managed through it all

On the last trip out
Of the familiar gopher hole
We switched roles and you guided me
To where the west winds blow

Then you removed
The bandages from my eyes
The hills illuminated as I caught
My first glimpse of daylight

credits

from Valley Home, released July 19, 2011

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Joe Vickers Drumheller, Alberta

Farmer by day, troubadour by night, Joe Vickers has logged countless miles on both his combine and tour van. His music explores the human spirit singing of the triumphs and tragedies of everyday life on the prairies.

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