Birkenhead

lyrics by: Ultan Mulhern
Written on Oct 19, 2016

The daily clank and grind of the docks
A beckoning sound for men who toiled
Families of workers with calloused hands
Trudged down to the river, lunch wrapped in foil

Wheels turn in circles, more orders await
There’s ships to be built, wealth to create
  
This was a town that looked out on the world
Its horizons lay far, its vision unblinkered
Making rich men richer, and working men proud
With inventors and builders, creators and thinkers

Wheels turn in circles, the stars were aligned
Merchants grew wealthy as draughtsmen designed

A sadness hangs over this once vibrant town 
Shopfronts are boarded in streets that had thrived
Ashen-faced people, eyes lifeless and cold
Bereft of ambition, a lost yearning to strive

Wheels turn in circles, new rivals were feared
Ships were built elsewhere, work disappeared

But grey clouds will pass, a bright age will dawn
The rebirth of endeavour rippling over the river
There’s energy to harness, and skills to acquire
Fresh minds to ignite, and success to deliver

Wheels turn in circles, good fortune will follow
There’s a future to build, a better tomorrow

 

Tags: encouraging, hope,

Add Comment


Cecilia Crasto commented:
Great poem, you have summed up exactly what is happening in the world today-the divide between rich and poor is a big problem and we can only hope for a better future.
Josh Rogan commented:
Unless there is a Birkenhead in the States, then I assume this is 'over the water' from me, here in Liverpool. Good observation, well put, but, as with our side, things WILL get better.
Geoffrey Brewer commented:
A powerfully descriptive and well constructed poem with a positive message. You have a great, creative skill with words.
Ultan Mulhern commented:
Thanks for the encouraging comments, everyone. Much appreciated!
John Pegg commented:
I've never been to Birkenhead but I almost feel like I know it from your poem. A great outlook on the future convincingly conveyed in your poem. Very much enjoyed.
Frank Hornby . commented on Nov 11, 2018 at 5:13pm
I must admit Birkenhead does seem a bit lifeless, ever since Cammell Lairds wound down its ship building ....but as for "ashen faced people,with eyes lifeless, and cold"....no merseysiders eyes can ever be described as lifeless, and cold........good poem though...

 

 

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