Fenland Poetry and Verse - and More

Hauling Reed

by Neil Ford

The reed stands tall. There's a crop to be had
We're scything and clearing the way
We bundle and tie, and shoulder it out
To stack up the boats for the end of the day

We've loaded the reed and we're poling the drain
It's a hard graft as many will say
When we get to the lode old Reuben is waiting
To haul us back home at the end of the day

We've cut reeds man and boy at this time of year
Like our kinsfolk did in their day
It's a tough job to do in the cold and the wet
And it's good to get home at the end of the day

Neil Ford
Ely, Cambridgeshire
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