A COLLIERS PRAYER

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As the snow falls high above the ground

on the coal face, there is not a flake to be found

no snowflakes, as he looks through the dust and grime

wearily humming carols it's Christmas time.

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But this Christmas he won't ask for a lot

He'll just be thankful for what he's got

for as he lays far below the ground

with no other sign of life to be found.

 

For an explosion, has ripped through the mine

destroying all before it, men to never again see sunshine

men who are only trying, for their families to make a living

but instead at this time festive time, those families will be grieving.

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As he looks around at his friends, strewn all over the floor

a rock fall in front of him, that may be hiding many more

to his left, his best friend lying motionless, he could see 

and he thinks to himself, "by the grace of God that could be me"

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As he feels his life ebbing away

he hears the sound of voices heading his way

a knocking on the gloom, he spots a light

 

He hears a voice, he thought he knew

a rescue team had got through

he sees the men in breathing apparatus

"lie still don't move, leave it all up to us"

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Soon he is made safe, and then he is hospital bound

as the rescuers still search, sadly no more survivors are found

at pit top with a doctor in attendance

his is transferred into an ambulance.

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Safely in hospital bed,

his injuries assessed, he rests his head

as the family gather around

waiting by his bedside, not making a sound

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As the family fight back the tears

a doctor confirms their worst fears

"he's very weak, from his injuries

let's make it through the night, and in the morning we'll see"

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This night was Christmas eve

a special time, of joy and make believe

and as today descends into tomorrow

here will be joy for some, while for others there will be sorrow

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In the middle of the night , that seemed so long

his breathing became shallow, and with a gasp he was gone

with his wife holding his hand, he peacefully passed away

"at least he won't suffer no more", she would later say

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In another town, another family were also weeping

another family, who had spent the night without sleeping

suddenly, there came a soft high-pitched cry

at the exact same time, as the old collier said "goodbye"

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Into the world, a new baby had been born

just as an old collier had seen his final dawn

as one door closes, another door opens

with families shedding tears, for different reasons.

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So, as the baby starts life's long, and bumpy ride

a path an old collier, had once trod with pride

for life is like a revolving door

as a life passes through, it is replaced by one more

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But let the old collier not pass by in vain

as his spirit and soul, can be used again

for as a baby touches down, to start life's long ride

let the old collier walk by its side

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Silently and unseen, sometimes guiding the way

for these two souls, arrived and departed the same day

for as one went through the in door, humbly heaven bound

another came through the outdoor, to a joyous sound

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And as the child is cherished and will grow

the child will feel a warm, protective glow

a glow that is warm and soft, that is there by day and night

like the glow of an old collier's cap light

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And if an old collier could have one last wish

may it be to raise his head, to give his wife one last kiss

a kiss that would forever, on her lips linger

for this Christmas, that she would forever remember

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So, this Christmas, as you tuck into your turkey

think of others who are not so lucky

the homeless person, sleeping in a shop doorway

the children in a war-torn country, not too far away

 

These children who won't know what it means

to be woken by parents saying "quick, Santa's been?"

 diving out of bed, new pyjama's, slippers and a dressing gown

racing down the stairs, to be the first one down

 

Hurriedly opening presents, with a joyful expression

while the war- child only experiences conflict and tension 

so please as you sit down for your Christmas meal

take a moment to pray, and think how these people feel

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And as some familiies cry for different reasons

remember that this is a special season

a season of good will, to men woman and children everywhere

so, from old colliers everywhere, this is a Christmas prayer.

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Copyright Ralph Jones