In the Black Country heavy industries squatted like giants
with their legs in chains and shrouded by steam.
Coal dust and dark rains stoked and smothered the foundry fires
Burning day and night in the iron works
While workers suffered, sweated and laboured
In the mine shafts deep underground
And ruined their lungs for the sake of the empire.
These men today speak of thee and thou as they count through the hours ’til they wither away in the black and the red.