Mine

Tunnels within the smoldering earth
our known destination at moment of birth.
Our moments are lifetimes each meant to maintain
an unbroken chain from the surface to vein.

Only another mile
but still we manage to smile.

Sworn to forget sunshine
and bound to work forever
deep inside the mine.

Blackened, emerging from inside the hill,
campfire stories and meat on the grill.
Stories about near catastrophes--
like keeping the rock between us and the sea.

With a sputter of snot that shines with black and red
we descend through the shaft still high spirited.
And although Legion's many we shan't let them pass
tomorrow is Sunday, we will make the Mass.


2006