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Incident At Milton Creek Silver Mine

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Giant balls of tumbleweed were blowing down the main street And off the Sierra Nevada mountains there blew a fine sleet It was late December in the old Western town of Milton Creek Preparations were under way for the start of Christmas week. Mayor Tom had called a council meeting for that afternoon To be held in the mayor's office above Jan's Manx Saloon Sherrif Koplin, Lin, Tania and Deb were the first folks to arrive Dave, and the other deputies were out of town, on a cattle drive. They all agreed that things would be much the same as last year With Sheriff Koplin as Santa Claus but without whiskey or beer They were all too aware that some things wouldn't be the same But Milton's memory lives on in the town that now bears his name. Tom said "Preacher is holding a service on the 22nd of December So, the folks can pay their respects and look back and remember Deb and Tania said they'd organise a children's choir for the night Tania added," It's a celebration of Milton’s life and we'll do it right. The meeting concluded and everyone headed off on their way The sun was warming up and it was going to be a beautiful day But the peace of the day was shattered by a loud explosion They all rushed out of the saloon and there was a commotion. A crowd had now gathered as a miner rode in called Billy Joe He was quite hysterical and said, "Some men are trapped below" Tom said, "Load up a wagon quickly with candles, picks and rope Time is now of the essence and us townsfolk are their only hope. They all arrived at the silver mine and the entrance was blocked Everyone now feared the worst and many folks were shocked Sheriff Koplin said" Okay folks stay focused, this is what we'll do We'll use ropes and horses so that we can try and break through. " Two hours went by, and they'd managed to make a large gap Tom said" Watch out for loose rocks, we don't want a mishap" The sheriff was first in and about ten men followed him in line They all lit candles and walked cautiously down into the mine. About five minutes had passed and Tom shouted "Is anyone here? " There was no answer, and someone said "They're all dead I fear" They moved forward cautiously then they all heard a painful cry "We're under a giant pile of rocks; help get us out or we'll all die.” They got to the source of the voice and started moving the rocks There was a rumble and Tom said ," Stop, we're causing aftershocks" So, they waited until the rumbling stopped and then moved carefully Then in an opening saw one of the trapped miners, it was a joy to see. One of the men had a broken leg and the rest were bruised but all right A miner said "A candle must have fallen down setting off the dynamite" Everyone present agreed it was a freak miracle that no-one had died And despite the odds being against them all four miners had survived. They carried the injured miner to the wagon and headed back to town It was now getting late in the evening, and the sun was going down All the menfolk headed for the town bath house to wash off the grime And they all put on their Sunday best and got to the service just in time. The preacher welcomed everyone, and the children sang silent night And through a stained-glass window the full moon was shining bright Tania and Deb then went forward and sang the hymn abide with me It was quite a tearful and poignant moment and was beautiful to see. It had been a wonderful tribute to Milton who left town two years ago And the good townsfolk of Milton Creek will always remember him so The service ended and Jan said she'd head off to open up the Saloon Milton Creek looked so peaceful under the light of the silvery moon. The saloon soon filled up and got noisy then Lin stood up to speak "I'd like you all to raise a glass to a fine gentleman of Milton Creek The saloon went quiet and everyone raised a glass to Milton’s chair It went eerily quiet and for just a moment it felt as if he was there. Milton left town two years ago today, a gentleman and a fine poet , He will always be remembered, may he rest in peace Written on the 22nd December 2024

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




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Date: 1/17/2025 11:42:00 AM
WOW!!! What a another creative/great Milton Creek write/story. Love It.... Sorry, I am so late with this comment to you. It has been extra crazy here since before Christmas. Two years now without Milton. Where did all the time go??? Have a blessed day as you write away..................
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 1/17/2025 1:20:00 PM
Thank you very much Paula, im happy you enjoyed it. Time goes by so quickly and more so as you get older. I hope you're keeping well and that your new year is off to a good start. Have a lovely weekend. Tom
Date: 1/9/2025 3:24:00 PM
Wow! What a fantastic poem and amazing tribute to a man who must have touched a lot of hearts and was admired by many. This may be my first visit to your poetry, Tom, but it most certainly won't be my last. Super job well done on this masterly written "Americana" poem. Cheers, Terrell
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 1/9/2025 9:30:00 PM
Thank you very much Terrell, I'm happy you that you enjoyed it. I wrote a few of these about a fictional western town called Soup Creek it was just a bit of fun and when Milton passed away I renamed it in his honour, he enjoyed being a part of the story. I'm sorry you never got to know him, he was a fine gentleman and an excellent poet who supported many. Tom
Date: 1/2/2025 6:12:00 PM
Yet another beauty Tom…..you never fail in your Milton Creek tales…always so captivating and entertaining…Thankyou for always including me….l am honoured! Debx
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 1/2/2025 10:29:00 PM
Thank you very much Deb, been two years now and we've never forgotten him. He was friendly towards everyone and very supportive too. Tom
Date: 1/2/2025 2:33:00 AM
Your stories always flow so seamlessly, Tom: Milton was a big presence here and such a prolific writer. He left a huge empty space when he so suddenly passed. Like a comet- here and gone. We miss all the dear ones gone before us. SuZ
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Suzanne Delaney
Date: 1/2/2025 3:51:00 AM
Yes Tom, I miss. Connie Marcum Wong and Harry Horseman - truly wonderful souls.
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 1/2/2025 2:45:00 AM
Thank you very much Suz, Sadly the list is growing as we get older, it hits you when you see a comment one of our departed friends left us. Happy New year to you. Tom
Date: 1/2/2025 1:40:00 AM
No new poem lately. But I still wish you the best for 2025.
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 1/2/2025 2:32:00 AM
Work in progress lol. Wishing you the same Victor. Tom
Date: 12/31/2024 12:56:00 AM
A great tribute to Milton, Tom. Thanks for remembering him and keeping him in our thoughts. Happy New Year to you and your family! Charlie
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/31/2024 1:44:00 AM
Thank you very much Charlie, still doesn't feel like he's gone. Bad winds and rain forecast here so will probably stay in the warm, Wishing you too the same. Cheers. Tom
Date: 12/30/2024 4:21:00 AM
A wonderful tribute poem to Milton. These are superb Milton Creek poems, Tom. Bravissimo! A Happy New Year to you and your family!
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/30/2024 5:08:00 AM
Thank you very much Regina, doesn't seem real sometimes that Milton has gone, but I try and keep his memory alive in my writes. Hope you're keeping well and a very happy new year to you and your family, hope it brings you good health and happiness. Tom
Date: 12/29/2024 7:13:00 PM
A great tribute to Milt, as you honor his memory with this write
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/29/2024 9:32:00 PM
Thank you very much Joseph, I'm pleased that you enjoyed it. Milton was a great supporter of others and is greatly missed on here. He enjoyed being part of the story. Tom
Date: 12/29/2024 6:37:00 PM
This is incredible Tom. Please publish the entire series for us, I will buy it. I am amazed at your story telling skill. Rest in peace Milton.
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/29/2024 9:30:00 PM
Wow BJ, thank you very much, I'm happy you enjoyed it. It's something I'd thought of doing but I need a big shove. Watch this space. Tom
Date: 12/29/2024 12:48:00 PM
A happy ending at the Milton creek mine and a lovely tribute Tom. I enjoyed reading this today. :-) Wishing you all the best in 2025. Hugs~Anne :-)
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/29/2024 4:44:00 PM
Thank you very much Anne, I'm pleased that you enjoyed it. Wishing you too a very happy new year. Tom
Date: 12/29/2024 7:52:00 AM
I am very well, enjoying retirement with my sweetie.
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Date: 12/29/2024 7:03:00 AM
What great storytelling. You shine Tom. Blessings and happy New Year.
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/29/2024 7:32:00 AM
Thank you very much Richard I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Hope you're keeping well. And a very happy new year to you too. Tom
Date: 12/28/2024 2:06:00 PM
I didn't know Milton, but I enjoyed the story and setting. When I was a kid, we drove up from L.A. to visit the old mining town of Bodie, CA. My grandfather used to do some mining in the California desert.
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/28/2024 10:38:00 PM
Thank you very much David, I'm happy you enjoyed it. Of course back then it was quite a dangerous occupation with cave ins etc, thankfully in the western world anyway conditions have greatly improved. Have a great Sunday. Tom
Date: 12/28/2024 11:36:00 AM
Wishing you the best of joy this season can bring...merry Christmas tom and family!
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/28/2024 12:02:00 PM
Thank you Nette, and I wish you the same. Tom
Date: 12/28/2024 6:47:00 AM
Milton was a great poem and gentleman, so happy you have kept his memory alive in this narrative.. All the best for 2025 Tom.
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/28/2024 7:28:00 AM
Thank you very much SO, he certainly was, so supportive of his fellow poets. Wishing you a very happy new year with good health and happiness. Tom
Date: 12/27/2024 5:19:00 PM
Tom, a wonderful tribute in addition to a fine story of people working together to make something good our of what appears somewhat hopeless. The people of Milton Creek are really something indeed! Hope you have a great new year, are doing well now, and are able to enjoy the best time of our lives. Smiles!!
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/27/2024 9:45:00 PM
Thank you very much Duke, it's amazing what folks can do when they all work together, nothing is impossible. Hope you had a lovely Christmas and best wishes for the coming New Year. What makes it better for us retired folk is it's Christmas every day lol. Tom
Date: 12/27/2024 8:54:00 AM
A fine story telling tribute for Milton. It's nice to keep his memory going.
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/27/2024 10:13:00 AM
Thank you very much Andrea, I'm happy you enjoyed it, I know Milton loved being part of the story. Hope you had a lovely Christmas, and I hope you have a very happy new year. Tom
Date: 12/26/2024 1:01:00 AM
Such a heartwarming tribute to your dear poetic friend, its so sad when we lose people we meet poetically cosmically or more. I cant imagine how and what you must be feeling today and more knowing your friend is no longer here. But you do this very well! While doing storytelling with rhymes that are so sublime! this will take so much time to write, such a thoughtful tribute! I especially loved “ The preacher welcomed everyone, and the children sang silent night—“ beautiful. May your friends soul RIP! Sending you light always! Send your daughter and family regards from the sunny side.
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/26/2024 2:39:00 AM
Thank you very much for your beautiful comment IE, I created the fictional western town of Soup Creek a few years ago using poets on here for a bit of fun, Milton loved being a part of the story so decided to change the name to Milton Creek in his honor, he was very supportive of his fellow poets and he's still missed. I'm sorry I never got to meet him in person. Thanks too for your good wishes. Wishing you a very happy new year that I hope brings you good health and happiness. Tom
Date: 12/25/2024 2:18:00 AM
Love a happy ending! A lovely tribute to a great poet! Happy Christmas! :-)
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/25/2024 2:45:00 AM
Thank you very much Lisa, I'm pleased that you enjoyed it, merry Christmas to you too x
Date: 12/24/2024 2:57:00 PM
Another stellar tale and a tremendous tribute to an old friend. Well done sir!! It makes my heart happy to read this, it feels like he is still here. Thank you for sharing and have a Merry Christmas!
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/24/2024 8:51:00 PM
Thank you very much Mark, I'm happy you enjoyed it, I'm sure Milt would have too. I wish you the same and good health and happiness in the new year. Tom
Date: 12/24/2024 11:03:00 AM
A really good narrative Tom. And kudos to Milton with whom i won't say I had a perfect Relationship, yet He was as honest as they come.' And was always ready to advise others Here, I miss the fact that we were warming to Each other more..Yet we can't turn back events He is in a better place I now Trust.' I'll also raise a glass tonight in his memory.)
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/24/2024 2:09:00 PM
Thank you very much Joe, he was a big part of the Soup, Very supportive of his fellow poets. He's now reunited with his wife who he missed dearly. Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year. Tom
Date: 12/24/2024 3:22:00 AM
Great story Tom, and you have set the stage well creating a sense of urgency and worry. But all ended well under your adept pen. I must admit I did not know of Milton until today and realised that the series was a tribute to a fellow poet on his death anniversary . Rip Milton. Thanks for the enlightenment Tom. A fave for me too. hugs Maria
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/24/2024 3:49:00 AM
Thank you very much Maria, He was very supportive of his fellow poets on here. Went to a silver mine in Nevada called Calico not far from Las Vegas conditions were not like today's standards, they had to use hammer and chisels and worked by candlelight. I remembered it whilst I was writing it. Thanks too for faving it. Have a lovely Christmas. Tom
Date: 12/23/2024 9:06:00 PM
Hey Tom great effort put forth from you to share the mine explosion and saving of the miners. Great story telling my friend, and perfect Rhyme. It is nice that you did a Tribute to Milton. I can't believe it has been two years already. Where does the time go? I will have to go read some of Milton's poetry to be reminded of when he was here. Great writer he was and he always had an opinion. Thanks for your effort in creating this gripping story. I am going to favor it for the effort you made and
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Michael Tor
Date: 12/24/2024 8:38:00 PM
Merry Christmas my friend and thank you Tom for all your support. You are always there for everyone, you are a fine gentleman that we all appreciate and look up to. Thanks for being my friend...
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/23/2024 11:31:00 PM
Thank you very much Michael, two years has gone so quickly, it hits you when you go over old poems when you see comments from those poets we've lost.. Thanks too for faving it. Have a lovely Christmas and a happy new year. Tom
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Michael Tor
Date: 12/23/2024 9:07:00 PM
and the Tribute to Milton. God bless you Tom...
Date: 12/23/2024 10:53:00 AM
There have been many mining disasters in the past, enjoyed reading your wonderful narrative poem, wishing you and your loved ones a merry Christmas and a happy new year Tom.
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/23/2024 11:35:00 AM
Thank you very much John, I'm happy you enjoyed it. It's a dangerous occupation for sure, thankfully since those days safety has improved. Wishing you too a happy Christmas and good health and happiness in the new year Tom
Date: 12/23/2024 7:14:00 AM
Great story and tribute to a great poet , always remembered. Merry Christmas Tom :)
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Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/23/2024 7:32:00 AM
Thank you very much Heidi, I'm happy you enjoyed it. Merry Christmas to you too and hope 2025 brings you good health and happiness. Tom
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