praise each grower train driver coal loader car and seafarer grace of bright gantries at each berthing, each grain
Image: Coal loader, Port Kembla. After living here for nearly a decade, we finally did a tour of the port part of Port Kembla. While I doubt that late-stage capitalism has a future that includes us working poets, the port with its gargantuan machines was impressive, almost exciting — maybe it’s a boy thing.
I was between two offerings for today’s music and couldn’t decide. So here’s Chopin’s Nocturnes (Youtubers) played by Tunisian-French pianist Brigitte Engerer. And my other choice, thinking back to the docks, is Lee Dorsey with Working in a Coal Mine (“Lord I’m so tired”) (tubers). The whole collection is pretty good (Youtubers).
Bonus: Two additional photos of the coal loader for Misky and Mr Misky and fans of big lifts.
Peter Frankis writes 
I’m remembering the post from a few days ago about the river diversions for hydro electric and now I see mountains of coal here. Seems like the sustainable is never enough to sustain, eh? My dad, grandpa, and uncle used to work in a factory that built cranes (Dressor Crane and Hoist.) The Chopin tune is haunting and beautiful. He’s another one of my favorite classical musicians, always fresh.
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Oh yeah – Australia loves the hole in the ground. Your uncle would love Port Kembla I’m sure. Glad you enjoyed Chopin – her playing is/was pretty special too.
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I’m liking your tankae. It is indeed a beautiful sight. I haven’t been down there for decades, when I did I was working on weld process monitoring at various steelworks. Today, as I wait for the lights go out, I am not in the mood for much praising. Except for you Peter, your poetry is always praiseworthy. 🧡
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Now you have me dancing around the kitchen! Mr Misky is a retired Maersk man, if that means anything to you; we love cranes and top-loaders.
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Laughing here. The coal loader (they’ve got about 3) is a beauty – not Maersk but thyssenkrupp – straight outta Thunderbirds for mine. I’ll repost the page with the additional so check back shortly.
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Goodness! That last photo is amazing. It even enraptured Mr Misky, and Danes aren’t easily swayed 😂
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Years and years ago I went down (up?) to Port Kembla with AQIS to look at a bulk carrier which was being loaded with coal. Walking around the decks and below measuring pipes is probably about the most fun I’ve ever had on a working day.
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