Black Diamonds Comments

I like that you took on a different topic. It seems to be a topic that you are very familiar with and that may have given you personal pain for which I am sorry. Farmers across America have stopped farming because it doesn't make them a living or because something more lucrative was found under the ground. I particularly liked the way you used your words- -for example- - . A stonecutter's chisel marks their brevity. Thank you for sharing this piece

unsung heroes...we need to silently thank them every time we use energy of any sort...well conceived and executed

Great work, a lustrous poem shining with heartfelt emotions for these brave men who face so many odds

Fantastic write, I can certainly relate as my uncle Sid was a coal miner. As a child I remember when he came home witha sad face, one of his co-workers died that day while working in the mine, another day home because he lost part of his thumb, another day another death and then the big one came where several miners lost their lives. A very difficult life indeed and you paint a true picture of what the end can bring. I'll be keeping this one as one of my favourites. Melvina

We're all an uncut diamonds, depends on how you looked at it.

Great work again Robert! I was a Coal Miner for 23 years! My Father Died of Lung Disease after over 30 Years in Mining. I can see I've found a real Gem with you! Roger.X

Exquisitely matching images and well phrased - leaving a message and sensations not easily forgetten. This poem is very appropriate for Kentucky, especially eastern Kentucky where many men mined the coal deep within the mountains also sealing their fate with black lung, as permanent as the black daimonds they mined.

Very powerful and evocative. It is good that someon remembers these brave men. Their story needed to be told. Excellent write, Robert. As Always, Sandra

You are so erudite. I could read you all day. t x

This is so good Robert. It's tightly scripted and understated and emotionally powerful. Your black treasure seekers are rich with irony. Thanks for writing their story. love, Allie xxxx

Another poignant memoir from the great pen of Robert Howard. Good morning, Robert! You write beautifully on this Sunday morning! ! ! xxElysabeth