The tip of his cap

The tip of his cap

The coal man is coming
He’s just down the road
Open the gate
Do as your told.

We haven’t much coal
Can’t miss him today
The forecast is not good
Frost on its way.

Open the cellar
But please don’t fall down
The coal man is  busy
He can’t mess around.

The cellar had an opening
At the top of our yard
2ft x 2ft
With a covered metal guard.

He stopped outside
Jumped off the truck
He was totally black
All covered in soot.

White rims round his  eyes
With a great big smile
How many today
I’ve not been for a while.

Well you know how it is
But it’s getting cold,
Everyone’s the same
So I’m told.

Every sack,
carried on his back
His head was bent forward
Just missed his cap.

Steele toe cap boots
That made a noise
Protected his feet
Boots with joist.

The last coal bag in
The coal dust comes up
That’s me done for today
I’ve had enough.

He tipped his cap
I bid you good day
All his sacks empty
He was on his way.

For many years later
When the coal man passed our way
He never missed to tip his cap
And bid us all good day.

Written by Pat Noon