The Creative Corner: An Old Gandy Passed Away

An old gandy passed away, and as I stood solemn at his grave,

I remembered how the railroad, had worked him like a---slave!

I recalled how he was treated, it was oft---like he was dirt!

He never missed a day of work, though his aching back would hurt.

And no one really gave a damn, how much steel this gandy laid,

Or the ties he hand dug in, and tamped tight with a spade.

Yes---as I began to reminisce, the age of steam meandered by,

Along with things this man endured, swinging pick and spiking tie.

How sweat profusely dripped, lifting rail and ties with tong.

It was a six-day workweek, the day-...