Spark! Strike! c/o - Ack Lemn Sissay

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"Long before the Bryant and May Factory was opened in Fairfield Road, Bow in East London, Charles Dickens wrote, in 1852, about the risks of ‘phossy jaw' in matchmaking factories. Yet, when the factory was opened in 1861, they proceeded to use the dangerous white phosphorus that caused the disease." https://www.matchgirls1888.org/the-story-of-the-strike

Spark Catchers by Lemn Sissay "... The greatest threat to their lives was The sulferuous spite filled spit of diablo The molten madness of a spark They became spark catchers and on the word “strike” a parched arched woman would dive With hand outstretched to catch the light. And Land like a crouching tiger with fist high Holding the malevolent flare tight ‘til it became an ash dot in the palm. Strike. ..."

 

Lemn Sissay

https://www.matchgirls1888.org/the-story-of-the-strike

https://blog.lemnsissay.com/2013/07/05/spark-catchers-the-matchgirls-festival/

My source: Radio 3 Words and Music.