I wrote this a while back after watching a documentary about a group of miners...I've titled the poem Great Men...

Surrounded by rats in their version of reality, they dig.

As the darkness closes in on them, they dig.

Comforted by the presence of their comrades they work Long and hard.

The brotherhood kept them strong,
Their spirits lifted as they shared their deepest thoughts,
Confessing their sins.

Wives knew of this brotherhood, asked, but the words would not leave their lips.
All things discussed among the miners would be buried there within.

As they laughed and joked their way through the day, thoughts of the dust on their lungs slid to the back of their minds.
They were home,
In their second home.

And when that fatal day came,
The news of lost brothers,
Sons, fathers and husbands,
They all had broken hearts.

But they would go on,
Still with guilt in their hearts.

"Maybe if I hadn't forced Sam to work that day...If only he hadn't switched his shift..." Guilty thoughts, weakened hearts. The cycle continues as heritage, love and sacrifice claims yer another soul. A great heritage spanning generations.

So when their managers and others threaten their way of life,
Withholding benefits they so duly earned,
Fire fills their hearts and they fight.

They fight to survive.
They fight for their families.
They fight for what is right.

No pension after years of dedication,
Hearts broken at their mistreatment.

Taking a stand,
Going against "the man" they strike.
But can they possibly win?
Where will they turn while out of the job?
Mining is all they know.
But they can sing,
"The men of the deep"

Their voices ring loud and clear, piercing every ear.
Wonderfully touching voices,
The miners tell their stories,
The stories of their calling,
And passion for their mines.

Their beautiful voices touch your heart,
Their faces filled with pride.

God bless the miners,
Keep their souls safe.

Really enjoyed reading this Dulce, touching!

Aww thank you both for reading. I'm glad you enjoyed it.