Did It Have To Be? Poem by Dennisa Davidson

For the Pike River Miner Families

Oh God, when grief goes beyond words
A stricken sigh is all that can escape a stunned soul
When there seems no meaning, no sense
In the wreckage of life by which we stand
Oh God, please, hold our hand…

To work hard for their families they went
Maybe thinking what they would get for a Christmas present
To lie by the family tree…
Oh God, did it have to be?
Oh God, did it have to be?

Look at the wife, the child, the mother, the sister
Weeping for the husband, the father, the son, the brother
Whisper gently in their ear their loved one is now in Your care
Oh please, show us You are here…

In a second the blast has swept them away
But Oh God, it’s hard for those who here still stay
Back at the home, folding up those clothes well worn
Putting away those shoes, mowing the lawn…

Oh God, it makes no sense but please
Hold them by the hand, their pain help ease
Be their strength, their hope in dismay
Each day as it dawns but grey
For them who are left behind today…
Oh God, tenderly lead them by their hand…
In this dark hour, show us by us You still stand…

Dennisa Davidson
25 Nov.10