Tragedies Of Coal Poem by David Boyce

From the seams to the end user,
Was their ultimate goal,
From deep beneath the surface,
They had the poor to dig their coal.

Most colliery owners were wealthy,
And leased the land the mines sat on,
Using their money as power,
Until the coal seams had gone.

Over the years there were accidents,
Many times, killing the masses,
Sometimes the smallest of sparks,
Exploding the toxic gasses.

Often the mines collapsed beneath,
And they sounded the dreaded horn,
Men trying to dig their colleagues out,
To help their families mourn.

Many buried men were never found,
Still hidden beneath the village floor,
Farewells given before their final shifts,
Their families see them no more.

Millions made by the rich owners,
From the proceeds of mining coal,
But the tragedies which surrounded this,
Left many a darkened soul.

Written by David Boyce
23 May 2025