Written by Lady Jude
The West Coast
Fragments of childhood memories remain
A strong proud man dressed in miners attire
Working hard for us, your family
Standing here today I’ll always remember ya
The old Bedford bus
Always arriving at 9
Across the grey river, you travelled
A short ride to the Blackball mine
Here in the South, you raised your family
On a small coalminers wage
Working hard for your dollar
Never any words of complaint
Crib time in the winch house
You said you enjoyed best
Many a friendship made
In those days a miner was a protected species
Friday nights spent at the Blackball Hilton
A pint or a nip of Whiskey to share
A toast to good cheer
All miners would cheer
I’ve returned to my roots
I stand here at the Blackball bridge
Eroded and now washed away
Time somehow stole the past
The coal mine has now closed
But the memories still linger
Memories never to be forgotten
Now all remains are the fond memories of you
You’re Gone
Now you’re gone the tears are never far
Flowing like a waterfall
A stream of emotions
That still flow from the heart
A pond full of sorrows
Needing it to be crystal clear
An ice path ahead of your journey
To find heavens door
Your my dearly departed
We road every raging wave
Drowning in a sea of emotion
Of your sad decline
Through your now gone
I know you’re never far
You had to go
The day the Angels came
On that starry night
The stars twinkled, that night you were born
A special kind of magical moment
Our precious baby boy
Born beautiful, delicate and irresistible
Sharing our first cuddles
holding you so close
You brought us tears of joy
T’was love at first sight, that starry night
Sharing our first kiss, a treasured gift
My hand reached out to touch yours
Wrapping your tiny hand around my little finger
Sharing an abundance of, on that starry night
Your very first smile
Your wee heart beating next to mine
Our memories we will share, of that starry night
Special moments I’ll cherish forever
Copyright Lady Jude 2008
Poetry 
You have such a wonderful gift which speaks to my heart, I’m so happy to be your friend and to become a part of your world, thank you xxx
Absolutely brilliantly written. What wonderful fond memories you have Lady Jude. I guess memories are a way of holding onto the things you love… the things you never want to lose.
A well written family memories. take care
hugs~connie
What a beautiful memory collection you have Lady Jude and all our lives are made up of such moments we remember and treasure..
Sometimes the most simplist of these are the most precious we keep close to our hearts..
May your memories forever be held close to you and bring your moments of silent thought many a smile.. Hugs Dreamwalker xx
thank you, my beloved friend, kissessss and for your son. U wish you a wonderful birthday, my best wishes of peace and happiness are flying till you, a lot of love, light and kissesssss with a sincere heart
another fine collection, my friend, and one which describes the love you felt and feel for each person is brought to life by your words. We all draw from our own experiences in this life, how can we not?, and we are able to share them through our verses. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings, Lady Jude. and enable us to ‘meet’ the people you describe so well. … xPenx
This is wonderful Judi. A different style for you. I like it very much.
Hugs,
Beth
A beautiful family memory Lady Jude , I sense a writer that hails from a mining fraternity also a sense of how your recent events have affected you as they have everyone who has knowledge of the hardships and dangers of a miner ,you have my sympathy and condolences as do all the peoples of New Zealand Lady Jude
Ian aka Emu
I love this one, the West Coast…just hit a nerve
Thank you, Lady Jude
Peace to you,
Laz
wonderful way to write, very dear Judi; you have something “magical” and i love that, kissesssss