The Sago Mine Poem by A . T . Perkins

Let me tell you friend.
It's the same old story, just a different time.
This is about survival of the working man
At the bottom of the Sago Mine.

They descended to collect it coal.
Who knew, this would be the day?
Their luck deserting them in the explosion.
The shaft, taking souls for trade.

Now, time has turned into the enemy
Seconds counted by their breath.
Their minds eye cuts thru the darkness
Seeing lives lived, and imminent death.

Time had run out for the men,
Falling into eternal slumber.
Only one lived, to carry the tale.
Last words, to wives and mothers.

Some men will work hard to prosper,
Its part of the daily grind.
But, always remember the toilsome souls
Still working in the Sago Mine.

(2006)