An Encounter With The Knockers Poem by Christopher Laverty

It happened all so quickly down in there -
there in the mine - working away was I -
all of a sudden - gave me such a scare -
rocks were falling - I had no time to try
escaping - or in helping other men -
no warning was there - not a thing - when -

the tunnel caved in. All in a sprawl
others were lying about - everything broke -
the mine all dust and clutter. That is all
honestly I can remember - till I woke.
My heart then sank - I'd hoped it wasn't true -
hoped that I'd dreamt - but true it was - and you -

the rest you'll not believe - I dare say. Still,
what happened next I'll try my best to tell.
I - Cubbie am I - woke - and damp and chill
it was - and pitch dark. Where the ceilings fell
was deep inside. All over I was sore,
and felt dazed like I'd never felt before.

No way out could I feel. For hours and hours
I saw nothing and heard nothing, wishing
I could just see my wife - and boys of ours -
and that instead I'd made my bread by fishing.
I groped but blindly with no candle glow,
and felt forgotten trapped so far below.

Then in the distance - faintly came a voice -
murmurs that nearer grew - bringing a hope.
A few more joined it - how I did rejoice -
that even in this darkest place I'd cope.
I cried out loudly - surely they would hear.
Alas - I heard those voices disappear.

Later behind those fallen beams and rocks -
I'm sure I heard it though my mind was blurred -
there came mysterious and ghostly knocks -
that echoed through the tunnels. These I've heard
some rumours of - some say they are a sign -
and often warn of a collapsing mine.

Then to my disbelief I saw a hand -
disembodied, floating through the air -
holding a candle. Finding strength to stand
I followed it. Drifting, it led me where
a small but passable crevice was. I squeezed
myself through, and my heart was somewhat eased.

Through many winding tunnels I was led -
until we reached an opening I knew.
Then saw I something - something strange ahead -
knee high - with tools - some figures - strange but true -
large noses - dressed like miners they appear -
long skinny limbs - mouths stretched from ear to ear.

Benign they seemed, then silent went their way.
I'd heard of them - the Knockers they are called,
the spirits of dead Kernow miners - they
warn of cave ins. For long I stood enthralled -
then looked up - where - relieved - my sight was caught
by shafts of light, this cheered my every thought.

They warn of rockfalls with their knocks - if left
some food like crusts and treated with respect.
Ignore or mock them and you'll suffer theft
of tools or lunch - or other tricks expect.
So that's what happened - now to bed is best;
however dazed I am, I need some rest.