A Warm September Day

She swept the hair back from her face
as sweat ran down her cheek. 
Then bent down over her washboard 
and her laundry for the week. 

Methodically her hands moved 
scrubbing clothes against the board. 
As her mind turned back to thankfulness 
and she talked to the Lord. 

She was thanking Him for shade 
beneath the walnut tree that day. 
Thanking Him for touching Jessie 
Gram and little Ray. 

For the pork roast in the oven 
the potato crop this year. 
Then she heard the sound that causes 
any mining town to fear. 

She scooped her baby up in arms 
grabbing little Ray's hand. 
To scramble down the mountain path 
beneath the forest's stand.

As she neared the footpath's end 
she viewed the church's spire. 
She caught her breath and hurried forth 
to carefully inquire. 

For hearts are carried on the sleeve 
when tragedy's transpire. 
An accident in mine's can mean 
explosion's flood or fire. 

Most every one has lost a man 
a son a Dad or brother. 
The greatest comfort folks can find 
is in God and one another. 

Gathering to pray and weep 
is what these people do. 
It's hard when someone else's loss 
can mean good news for you. 

Babies cry and women weep 
and men try to be men. 
But heartache will touch every one 
be it family or friend. 

They wait as mining families have 
all down through the years. 
Weariness drowns out the rage 
wail's turn to silent tears. 

Ticking clock's set nerve's on edge 
with thier unending sound. 
They wait as mining families have 
for loved one's to be found. 

About sun rise they hear a sound 
as siren's once more wail. 
Rushing forth with bated breath 
this day will tell the tale. 

'How close did death come to my door' 
is what's on each ones mind.
Oh God please let a miracle 
be what our town's folk find. 

She's standing there beneath a tree 
with both her young in tow. 
When her eye's spot a grimy man 
who's black from head to toe. 

She knows the gait of her man's walk 
she'd know him anywhere. 
She stumbles forth to greet him 
as she offers up a prayer. 

Of thankfulness and humble heart 
and grace for the next test. 
And one for guidance from above 
to comfort those less blessed. 
AMEN