In Memory of the 29 miners in New Zealand.
#1
November 24, 8:15 pm
In Memory of the 29 miners in New Zealand.
In memory of the 29 miners killed in New Zealand. Doing the job they loved. May they all Rest in Peace.
Silent Enemy.
It creeps up on us daily as we mine the coal below,
We can't see it, we can't smell it; but it's starting to grow.
It gains in strength, collecting near the roof or on the floor,
If we choose to ignore it, it will punish us for sure.
It is deadly it is silent; it creeps nearer every second,
It's gathering up its forces, nearly ready now, if beckoned.
Now it's all around us, but we can't feel a thing,
If it's not detected soon, disaster it will bring.
The rippers in the main gate prepare to set a ring,
They jump upon the scaffold planks; Jack's head begins to swing.
He shakes his head jumps off the planks; the intruder has been found,
"It's safer here", he told his mates, "it's safer on the ground".
The Deputy was called for, and he brought his silver lamp,
He quickly took a sample and found deadly firedamp.
"Get some brattice cloth erected; right across the gate".
"We must dilute this menace, or I know what is our fate".
The work was carried out brattice spread from side to side,
Forcing fresh air up, directed, where the enemy did hide.
The gas was soon dispersed as it mingled with the air,
The danger now is over; there's no place for methane there.
Now that we are safe again, we think of bad times past,
Of the men who lost their lives when the methane grew so fast.
A single spark was all it took to release its mighty force,
It took with it each fragile life, which it passed along its course.
All coal-mining areas have endured their share of grief,
They have suffered with explosions, lives taken by this thief.
It doesn't care about religion, colour, creed, or things like that,
Silently sneaking on each victim, with the cunning of a cat.
To defeat the coal mine menace you must treat it with respect,
Be alert; be on guard, it only wins when there's neglect.
Keep the fresh air flowing, keep it mingling with all gases,
Then each day we will return to our wives and to our lasses.
© Bill Riley
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