West Virginians Cry

West Virginians Cry

 

West Virginians cry

For all their hard working sons

Explosion is felt

 

A sunny spring day

Is shrouded in tragedy

Fear gripping our hearts

 

We’re standing vigil

So many are trapped inside

Crying loss of life

 

Just over the hill

From where my son is working

Explosion blasted

 

It could have been me

Grieving for my eldest son

Turned down the transfer

 

Two sons have been found

Hearts still beat, breath sounds are heard

Thank God they’re alive

I see mothers’ tears

And deep down in my own heart

I hear mothers cry

 

Children are orphaned

Wives know well that empty space

That fills up their hearts

 

News clouded in grief

More lives lost in the coal fields

God please hear our cries

 

So many sons lost

Twenty-five are in God’s arms

Lord protect the four

 

Last miners are found

All twenty-nine in God’s arms

Comfort the bereaved

 

Time lessens the pain

Wounds that cut deep in the heart

Reopen and bleed

 

Many years will pass

That emptiness is still there

No matter how long

 

West Virginians cry

No, time doesn’t heal these wounds

Our sons are no more

 

Author's Note

I live in Raleigh County. My eldest son works just over the hill from this tragedy. He was up for transfer to the Performance Mines four weeks ago, but turned it down. I was spared this tragedy, but so many other West Virginia mothers were not. Let us all pray for those lost and those who grieve.

Reviews

[deeps]

I can feel the emotion you have spent writing this write.
I think it is very sad about the miners there.
I really hope they find the ones missing alive.