Back Upon a Time

I remember two young fellows
like myself working
the Copper Mine in Noranda
back in ‘61
a time ago before these gray hairs took hold.

We were laborers then
about all we could qualify for
without a degree and daddy without
the means to send us to get one

but we survived. Each day early am found
us seeking the sun under the glare
of moon---too early for light
but 8am on the job meant getting up at
6:30 and hiking a mile to the job.

Molten copper greeted us
after we attired in long johns and heavy
jackets along with gas mask to fend
off sulphur gas.

Hours passed swiftly in the day
with clanging and banging from pots
30 ft above the fray of men
in blacksmith duties and pounding
idle concentrators with drill bit
biting into old bricks needing
replacement. And then the work done
with workers returning to homes
where supper and love awaited.

© 2012 Richard L. Provencher

Posted September 17, 2012
ABCTales.com