Shoulders of Stone

This is my tribute to what are locally known as “The Nine Arches”
It is the earliest major railway viaduct in the world and spans the
The Sankey Valley in Newton-Le Willows. This was my playground
as a child and I hope I can do it some justice with a short poem.
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In three long years she was raised by hand
From locally hewn blocks of sand
Laboured by men from far and wide
Spanning this valley Nine Arches preside
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From his cottage he viewed the challenge at hand
To join two great cities across this land
The man and his son met the challenge head on
After three days of trials the Rocket had won
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From golden yellow to this dark gown
Neither winters nor wars could bring her down
Built with fingers rough to the bone
Still stand these mighty shoulders of stone
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As you gaze up from the meadow below
Remember this before you leave her shadow
Touch the walls, be proud and revere
History was made, it all started here.