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Title: After The Accident
Author: Bret Harte [
More Titles by Harte]
(MOUTH OF THE SHAFT)
What I want is my husband, sir,--
And if you're a man, sir,
You'll give me an answer,--
Where is my Joe?
Penrhyn, sir, Joe,--
Caernarvonshire.
Six months ago
Since we came here--
Eh?--Ah, you know!
Well, I am quiet
And still,
But I must stand here,
And will!
Please, I'll be strong,
If you'll just let me wait
Inside o' that gate
Till the news comes along.
"Negligence!"--
That was the cause!--
Butchery!
Are there no laws,--
Laws to protect such as we?
Well, then!
I won't raise my voice.
There, men!
I won't make no noise,
Only you just let me be.
Four, only four--did he say--
Saved! and the other ones?--Eh?
Why do they call?
Why are they all
Looking and coming this way?
What's that?--a message?
I'll take it.
I know his wife, sir,
I'll break it.
"Foreman!"
Ay, ay!
"Out by and by,--
Just saved his life.
Say to his wife
Soon he'll be free."
Will I?--God bless you!
It's me!
[The end]
Bret Harte's poem: After The Accident
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