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.