Would We Stand at Orgreave?
Would we dig deep shifts
in the coughed guts of this land
then take home the spat news
our livelihoods have gone?
Would we vote – stand –
to the voiced-charges they made –
that our coal industry – our life –
is not there – will not pay?
Would we shout and argue
now the future isn’t ours
and gather at police lines –
faith in this – our last cause?
Would we dare to hold
our sunburnt ground
before the police horses
and rage of police hounds?
On Clement’s second call –
when horses charge again –
would we remain – standing –
as honest pit men?
Would we have the strength
to battle any more –
or did Thatcher crush it all
in her short civil war?