Vince Suzadail Jr. Poet Free verse

Coal Crackers

I remember waking to the smell of coffee
Miner’s going off to work
Hear that colliery whistle blowing
Lunch cans in hand 
Look of determination on faces
A sense of purpose, a sense of pride
A dignity in a hard day’s work
Coal Crackers
Local bars thrived for the hard working hard drinking miner
Church on Sunday, back to Hell on Monday
No complaints, feeding their families
Sirens going off, waiting for word, praying
Two injured, no fatalities, lucky day
Visit the injured, covered dish, thanking God
A different breed, God fearing, hard working
Coal Crackers
Walking little brother by the coal banks
Wind blowing, coal dust, blackened faces
Laughing, mom’s going to be mad
Bathtub ring, Dad’s coming home
Supper’s on the table, say grace
Rough day, Sun still shines so we’re okay
Coal Crackers.

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Anne Christine August 10, 2008 at 12:08 PM I think you have done them justice with this one. I admire that you have chosen to write about people, the true treasures of life. Touching poem! Anne-Marie Christine

Heidie Buys August 9, 2008 at 2:48 PM Great tribute Vince, it is not a easy way to make a living. Well done. Regards Heidie

Daver Austin August 9, 2008 at 4:30 AM This is definitely one of your best, Vince....simple, direct, strong! Love, Daver

Phyllis Babcock August 7, 2008 at 10:01 PM Hard working people and it is nice to see a tribute for the coal miners. Good Job. God Bless Phyl

Sharon Winter August 7, 2008 at 1:29 PM Great tribute to hard working coal miners. Love this whole write, including the childhood memory with the ring around the tub. Guess mom was mad, but all was so well, as the sun still shined on a rough day. Love, Shar

Kristin Reynolds August 7, 2008 at 12:12 PM Perfect discription of these brave, hearty miners - keeping this great country alive with their debts. Well said, beautiful! Kristin

James Foulk August 7, 2008 at 10:43 AM the miners don't get there due. in your writing about them they are in a way. a great write, a great poem.

Michael Jordan August 7, 2008 at 8:46 AM Hi Vince - Great tribute to those who do a harrowing job - The simplicity of life is pointed out very well in this poem - Just as long as the sun still shines at the end of the - Amazing poem Vince - Thank you for your comments and support - God Bless you and your family

Carrie Richards August 7, 2008 at 8:27 AM Wow...this poem says it all. You could write a whole book about the hard life of a miner, but you said it all in this moving piece of poetry. The rest of us think our lives are difficult.....however, most of us have no idea. You blew me away with this one....... You are a gifted writer. Very sincerely, Carrie