Black Hill Days, Busty Ways

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Magnus

Member Laureate

since 2001-10-10

Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA

0 posted 2002-12-26 12:47 PM

That damp dark shaft among the hills
where coal is dredged to feed the flames.
As once young eyes stare blankly back
beneath the brims, so many names.

The wailing sound of a juke box
which brought a pining to the soul.
As drunken men stared at the busts
of cheap rose lips and sexy stroll.

A miner born the shanty town
where whiskey downed  made old men sing
as women cried  in silent fear
with the feel of a gnarled hand’s sting.

A place where stiff and broken backs
put the food on cracked china plates.
A miner’s shaft where birds were brought
to warn of gases that seal their fates.

Fathers, uncles,  brothers and sons,
all a piece of our history.
Where black  coal was blasted and dug
down that deep shaft of destiny.

So many died in blackened hills
from death that fell upon them there.
Or breath of black in wheezing lungs
from hidden dust within their air.

To them the danger was just part
of what was taught of them to do.
To mine the black with gallant hearts,
those men, women and families too.

This is a poem...please do not take it to
imply that these people have problems
(abusive or alcohol) that are unique to
them...for all of society,  at all levels..
has them...  Thanx

Aenimal
Member Rara Avis

since 2002-11-18

Posts 7350
the ass-end of space

1 posted 2002-12-26 01:00 PM

Great words Magnus, the fact that you chose not ignore that there are such problems within this tribute is a testament to your skill and grit as a writer. Thanks

regards2you
Member Elite

since 2002-10-01

Posts 3940
California

2 posted 2002-12-26 01:12 PM

Barry,

Wonderful descriptive lines of a way of life. Could feel it and see them.
Enjoyed.

Pat

..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons..
"Desiderata"

Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean

since 1999-07-07

Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla

3 posted 2002-12-26 01:17 PM

Magnus
Good write, well done, enjoyed.

Midnitesun

Member Empyrean

since 2001-05-18

Posts 28647
Gaia

4 posted 2002-12-27 01:34 AM

A difficult life and death was always the reality for those who went underground into the mines, into the choking dust, and with the canary to warn them...too late usually.
Well done snapshot Barry.

passing shadows
Member Empyrean

since 1999-08-26

Posts 45577
displaced

5 posted 2002-12-27 01:37 AM

never thought of it till now....wow

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