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New Years 1999
He stumbled throught the door
an eving wind did howl.
A cough mixed "Good day sir"
sounded like a growl.
A wore out coat, grey matted hair
my wood stove huffed it's smoke.
Evening can I help you chum
behind my desk I spoke.
This fellas eyes upon me
a reply was hard and straight.
eerie was his words
like the icy hand of fate.
"I can do er all boy
from the Mill to the gob
Have you something stirring
I'm looking for a job".
Well where have you been working?
he angred at my ploy.
he shot back that he was breaking rock
when my daddy was a boy.
He said, "I've dug coal at Price,
worked the tipple down at Hanna.
I just quit a good job,
up at Nye, Montana.
I was there at Ludlow,
took the bayonet.
My brother was killed at Goldfield
that I never will forget.
I've broke copper on the hill
in Bingham Canyon and in Butte.
I sunk shaft at San Manuel
I've pulled a Camp Bird chute.
That mighty Bartlett Mountain
at that rock I tore.
The Homestake, Nelson Tunnnel . . .
I dug, I cussed, I swore.
My fame at pulling pillars
in Victor and in Grants
Moab down to Slick Rock
I made Park City dance.
The Argonaut out in Jackson
I was there when she burned
In Bishop, Baker and Bullfrog
I shovel, picked and learned.
I can do it all kid,
from sump to Mill pond float.
I need a break kid, I'm played out,
softly now he spoke.
I have spanned this century
and now I'm past my prime
This is my last show
my name is Father Time.
There before me stood
the one who had done it all.
strange and sick is how I felt
heartbroke I recall.
With one month left it's his last hole
a tear was in my eye.
I picked up the phone to the walking boss
got basket in the change house dry.
I said take this note to the grand hotel
and get the finest room.
tell the matron to feed you well
your pump watch will start at noon.
His room and board I have to pay
Happy New Years from this camp.
I should have known that Father Time
was just a 10 day tramp.
Copyright Joel Tankersley
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