Ammon Wrigley - "Up Denshaw Way"
The following is a transcription of a work by Saddleworth poet Ammon Wrigley (1861-1946).
Up Denshaw Way
To an Oldham Friend
- Up Denshaw way from Oldham town,
- There’s much to see and hold you;
- The climb to Grains by Besom Hill,
- Where the green fields enfold you;
- So shake yourself and stretch your legs,
- By Sholver Lane go striding,
- It’s better breathing country air,
- Than in a motor riding.
- Up Denshaw way ’tis there they say
- You first see April bringing
- New gowns for trees and to the larks
- New songs to set them singing:
- If winter lingers in your bones,
- When Spring is growing sunny
- Go get its sap into your veins,
- That’s more to you than money.
- Up Denshaw way when winds are rough,
- And through the village racing;
- They make you glad you’re out of doors
- They give you such a bracing:
- They love to wrestle folks from town,
- And grip them limb and muscle,
- And shake them up until they feel
- They’re better for the tussle.
- Up Denshaw way are five good roads,
- And scenes you'll love to tether;
- And kindly folks and homely hearths,
- That go so well together:
- You'll love to wear shoe leather there
- With miles of pleasant walking,
- So off you go fair heel and toe
- For what’s the use of talking.