Charred beyond belief these souls
Innocent before the blast,
Young and old entwined as one
To sudden death’s horrific clasp.

Haunted hopes and searching eyes
Watch the ticking clock proceed,
Feel the chasm loom before
Shattered hearts that writhe to bleed.

Starkly at the coming dawn
Clinging shadows staunch the light,
Deep inside the aching hurt
Gone forever, blue eyes bright.

Forever gone that funny look
That little smile on whiskered chin,
Forever gone that fresh faced boy
Who often wore a happy grin.

The Pike destroyed a thousand days
Relegated hope to dust,
Blood like as the rising sun
Paints the sadness red as rust.

Marshalg
Pike River Coal Mine Disaster
1 December 2010