Did It Have To Be

For the Pike River Miner Families Oh God, when grief goes beyond words A stricken sigh is all that can escape a stunned soul When there seems no meaning, no sense In the wreckage of life by which we stand Oh God, please, hold our hand… To work hard for their families they went Maybe thinking what they would get for a Christmas present To lie by the family tree… Oh God, did it have to be? Oh God, did it have to be? Look at the wife, the child, the mother, the sister Weeping for the husband, the father, the son, the brother Whisper gently in their ear their loved one is now in Your care Oh please, show us You are here… In a second the blast has swept them away But Oh God, it’s hard for those who here still stay Back at the home, folding up those clothes well worn Putting away those shoes, mowing the lawn… Oh God, it makes no sense but please Hold them by the hand, their pain help ease Be their strength, their hope in dismay Each day as it dawns but grey For them who are left behind today… Oh God, tenderly lead them by their hand… In this dark hour, show us by us You still stand… Dennisa Davidson 25 Nov. 10