Coal Miners

Out of the bowels of earth they come, Blackened and smoky and grim, Climbing the slope for the shift is done; They stand erect on the rim.

Strong and husky their muscles show Under the coating of black; And they stretch their arms and blink in the sun And wonder if tallies are slack.

With lights that glitter on shabby caps, They go their way without talk; Their heavy pit-boots caked with clay Give a thudding sound to their walk.

They walk, and think as they thud along Of days that are turned into night, These men who slave in endless gloom To give us light.