Wendy Watson Poet Rhyme

The Price of Coal

The mining villages of Wales
are steeped in history and tales
of sons and fathers, duty-bound
who earned a pittance underground.

For generations miners toiled
with picks and shovels, faces soiled.
Their throats parched dry and fingers raw,
black gold the aim, etched scars the score.

And mountains whisper tales of men
who failed to re-emerge again.
Or nevermore could breathe with ease;
Sad victims of black lung disease.

In valleys shaped by pride and grit
within the black and hostile pit,
black powder prowled and took its prey
but brotherhood did not give way.


11/11/18

'Black powder poetry contest' : Sponsored by Anthony Slausen

Your Choice (3), sponsored by Brian Strand

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Geoffrey Brewer February 15, 2020 at 8:46 AM Well and sensitively described, Wendy How ironic that such a hostile environment could become the home of such rich culture and brotherhood.

John Watt February 14, 2020 at 2:45 PM Wendy, congrats on your finely crafted tribute to the miners who sacrificed so much, yet clung together as brothers ~ John

Sam Kauffman February 13, 2020 at 8:24 PM Hi Wendy, Through all the challenges of sickness etc., the community is a model of what community is. Congratulations! Thank you for highlighting this story.

Sandra Haight January 17, 2019 at 7:39 PM I too am happy to read your poem again, Wendy, and congratulations on your fine placement in this contest! Hugs, Sandra

Mark Toney January 17, 2019 at 9:47 AM Wendy, what a wonderful tribute to the generations of hard working miners! Congrats for your win on mile 11 of my 2019 Poetry Marathon contest. By continuing to place in the contest you are accumulating points toward the final. ~Mark

Edward Micheals December 8, 2018 at 3:09 PM "Brotherhood did not give way" What a read, this is a world class poem. Kind regards. EM

Funom Makama December 7, 2018 at 9:53 AM Beautiful, beautiful, so beautiful and as always, your pen writes in the language of kings through a naturally flowing ink.

P.S. Awtry November 24, 2018 at 10:47 PM back with congrats! :)

Eve Roper November 23, 2018 at 7:16 PM Wonderful write, Wendy, congratulations on your win

Line Gauthier November 23, 2018 at 6:36 AM Superbly penned poem, Wendy. Congrats on your win.

Sandra Haight November 19, 2018 at 2:34 PM Very sad and powerful, and so emotionally well-written, Wendy! Congratulations on your First Place win! Hugs, Sandra

Connie Marcum Wong November 18, 2018 at 11:40 AM Oh Wendy, your poem immortalizes those souls who had to live and die such a harsh life to feed their families! It is factual, compassionate and masterfully written! I am Faving it! Congratulations on your top win with this deserving write! xxoo : )

Edward Ibeh November 18, 2018 at 10:49 AM Excellent poem, Wendy!:-) Congratulations on your fine placement!

Tom Cunningham November 18, 2018 at 6:59 AM Love this one Wendy, a great tribute to the many who perished underground. There weren't many villages that didn't suffer some loss. Even Aberfan where many children lost their lives. I wrote a poem about it after visiting there a couple of years ago. Good luck in the contest. Tom.

P.S. Awtry November 15, 2018 at 1:49 PM Gorgeousness!!!

Susan Ashley November 12, 2018 at 8:46 AM Wow! An amazing poem, Wendy. You tell of the miners hardships in the beauty of your poetic verses. Moving and superb poetry. Best wishes for a win.. ~Susan

Caren Krutsinger November 11, 2018 at 3:08 PM Such an amazing idea you had toward this contest, good luck my friend! Wendy Watson November 11, 2018 at 3:13 PM That's kind of you,Caren. Well done for being so prompt to give feedback to bamboozled poets too!