Old Man's Evensong

'Tis but a teeny mite
Hard, road side edge,
Ol' missus' candle light
Shines through thet broken hedge.

Reach me my coat, lads,
Give me a lift into it,
Rowin' they tater-clads
Tasks me to do it
Terribly;
Time was when I weer mad
Diggin' by star's light,
Now I am mortial glad
T'reach my dure-ajar's light,
'N' eat my tea.

Reach me my tools, boys,
Ah mun quit this talk 'n' lurry;
Theer's my ol' missus' voice
Calls: "Ol' meastur, hurry,
Y'r tea-time's come."
Smells from the chimney side
Sniff down this plaguy mist,
Wanst I'd wander far an' wide,
Now I'm terr'ble stiff an' whist
'N' stay at home.

'Tis but a yeard or two
Hard road, thank God.
Then off the hard an' goo
Home on the sod.