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NEW ZEALAND MINING DISASTER
NEW ZEALAND MINE DISASTER
Watching TV in sad silence, saw the tragedy unfold,
Those Kiwi miners never had a chance.
"Health and Safety Regulations" had all their deaths foretold,
Made their "rescuers" stand useless, wringing hands.
"It's too dangerous!" they bleated, "Can't send our men in there!"
So the rescue teams were not allowed to try.
In my early years in coalmines, we were always made aware
In disasters no one's ever left to die.
But I cannot understand how miners, like those I once knew
Could hang around the shafts, with nothing done.
Those men I knew would never turn their backs on me and you
And would risk their lives to rescue everyone.
If I close my eyes I see them, waiting for the rescue teams,
I can hear them coughing, struggling with rock falls
After five long days I wonder if they gave up on their dream
And had died before the second blast killed all.
Style / type:
Structured: Western
Review Request (Intensity):
I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
Editing stage:
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Comments
Tam the Chanter
Wed, 2011-01-05 14:59
miners
I really felt very strongly about this tragedy. It was a difficult write as I didn't want to vent my anger at the lack of leadership being shown. Mining communities are close - knit but there is a brotherhood of shared experience. I had tears in my eyes when the second explosion happened , FIVE DAYS LATER. Shame on the officials who held back from investigating the rescue possibilities.
Thanks for the kind words
Love
Ian xx
TIME FLIES LIKE AN ARROW, BUT FRUIT FLIES LIKE A BANANA
author commentmand
Wed, 2011-01-05 12:29
This is so sad
Men that would give their lives to save others left to die horrible deaths because of health and safety regulations. A terrible calamity - totally avoidable.
I hope that those in positions of authority learn lessons from this travesty - though I doubt it.
Thank you for sharing this well written and emotional poem
Love Mand xxxxxxx
Tam the Chanter
Wed, 2011-01-05 15:03
Understanding
Most people can only guess at coal mine working conditions. The shared hardship makes for a sort of brotherhood. I was really upset at the time-wasting that went on at the mine during the five day s before the second blast.
Thanks for your understanding
Ian xx
TIME FLIES LIKE AN ARROW, BUT FRUIT FLIES LIKE A BANANA
author commentPsyve
Wed, 2011-01-05 14:22
Tam
A sad tale indeed and an avoidable tragedy with lessons to be learnt.
I liked your rhyming scheme (A-B-A-B) and how you managed to tell the tale in rhyme and not make it feel forced at all.
Nicely done.
Psyve
Tam the Chanter
Wed, 2011-01-05 15:08
mining
As you say, it was difficult to produce a write which wasn't too much versifying and yet expressive.
I'm glad you liked it.
Kindest Regards
Ian
TIME FLIES LIKE AN ARROW, BUT FRUIT FLIES LIKE A BANANA
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