THE DAY THE PARK SMILED

Lit up with the art
of their Gala Day parade
the whole town, it seemed
wound to Cuthill Park
where banners and bands
painted the proud face of coal
with a Candyman's grin

Lean lads raced the flat
or showed their whippets and coal-birds.
Married wummen ran 100 yards
while children sword-danced
or did the coal-quiz.

And 'Pans own Frances Rowan,
Scottish Miners Coal Queen
held court over
the park that smiled.