Lotty Hay
This poem illustrates a familiar theme of Skipsey's work - that the working-class women were every bit as worthy as those of the aristocracy (see for instance, the last verse of Dora Dee). The poem is set in Earsdon, where the victims of the Hartley Calamity were brought to be buried. They are commemorated by a memorial in the churchyard.
As I came down from Earsdon Town, Upon an Easter day, Whom did I meet but a maiden sweet,The blue-eyed Lotty Hay.A crimson blush her cheek did flush,No sin did that betray;For the pearl is sure a jewel pure,And so is Lotty Hay.In a cotton gown she tript to town,And never a lady gayIn satin drest could be more blestThan blue-eyed Lotty Hay. | Some others yet will say She's cold or fierce, and all to pierce The heart of Lotty Hay. But she's not bold, not fierce nor cold, But warm and kind always And a soul of light would meet your sight If you pass'd Lotty Hay. All evil flees her heart, yet she's To slander oft a prey, But words of ill will never kill The soul of Lotty Hay. Upon her way she goes and, nay No lighter moved today, The thistle-down by breezes blown, Than walked sweet Lotty Hay. |