The Widow in the Bye Street

by John Masefield

'Eh? What d'you say, chaps? Someone got a match?'

'They draw a bolt and drop you down a hatch

And break your neck, whereas they used to strangle

In olden times, when you could see them dangle.'

Some one said, 'Off hats' when the bell began.

Mother was whimpering now upon her knees.

A broken ringing like a beaten pan

It sent the sparrows wavering to the trees.

The wall-top grasses whickered in the breeze,

The broken ringing clanged, clattered and clanged