Driving Black Daisy

 Driving Black Daisey 

JohnClare Stokes

I was a bus drivers daughter riding the holler

We rode over the dark coal tunnels far below

To the two story stucco home at lines end we’d go

Our days fares counted out in shiny silver dollars.

We’d often stop along the Northfork route

To rescue a kitty or puppy gone astray 

Hiding them in the basement from Monnie

But really, she didn’t at all mind.

I can still hear daddy’s bus to Crumpler coming

Those bone tired coal miners going home

As in this dream it won’t be long

Up to my warm, warm room I’m climbing.

And I’m sitting upon the first row seat so happy

The blackened passengers of Pocahontas mine

Wake us daddy when we get to our parting time

I promise I’ll count the silver dollars accurately.

I was a bus drivers daughter riding the holler

Awake now! Come along with the kind miners

And what shall we name your kitty purring?

Why of course, Black Daisey, that’s perfect daddy.