The following poem was written by Bob Robson. He read it out during the Lanton Farm Reunion in the headquarters.
The sea breeze blows my fringe of hair from out my visions view.
I only have one eye these days, it does the job of two
That splintered pit prop that flew past, amid the noise and din.
Cracked hard against my bridle, it caved my blinker in.
The soil grass ‘neath my hooves with stones has such a lovely feel
Compared to gritty coal dust that felt like splintered steel.
There’s rabbits here for company, with birds and often cats
Instead of mice and crawling things and thieving squeaking rats.
I watch the sunrise out to sea, a mighty golden ball
Below I watched a candle flame that flickered in my stall
My keeper was a kind old man who kindly spoke to me
He gave to me the drainings from his luke warm can of tea.
A dear old lady passes by, she calls at least each day
And feeds me sugar lumps and crispy crusts, I often hear her say
My Ted he was a pitman and loved his ponies dear
I like to think he’s looking down and smiling at us here
Some days I feel quite weary, I take deep breaths and sigh
My joints are slowly stiffening, I can shamble if I try
I gently sniff the salty breezes in poundings from the sea
And dream of the bags of oatmeal I get for my tea.
~Bob Robson.