Bella

A river forged through silt and stone,
Winds that cut you to the bone.
Beneath the earth, they turned their trade
Lamp‑lit faces, coal and spade.

The miner’s hymn, now winter’s bite
Pits in shadow, fading light
Northeast winds and winter’s cry
Bella faced them, head held high

Made of smoke
Born of flame
Bella knew our fathers’ names
Salt of earth
Force of sea
Her spirit lives inside of me.

Her door was always open
Her kitchen always full
Corned beef pies that lit the skies
Roast beef and Yorkshire pud
Sharp as knife, full of grit
She didn’t suffer fools one bit
A rock, a diamond, a canny lass
A hearth, a fire built to last

Made of smoke
Born of flame
Bella knew our fathers’ names
Salt of earth
Force of sea
Her spirit lives inside of me