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.