Barbara’s Poetry From The Heart Corner
The coal-camp houses set on the hill
life wasn’t a bowl of cherries
it had its ups and downs
most were downs.
Coal-camp houses marked territories
out-houses obvious.
The road through the camp
rutted and full of large holes
an abandoned slate dump
helped to extend the roadway.
I scaled it many times
waiting for Dad to come out of the mines.
I pitied the miners all the time
worked in the dark all day.
Black smut faces loomed from the entrance
stern, tired and weary looks.
Long walks home
along hurdled rugged paths.
Clothes built a tent
hanging on cloth-lines
wash days brought many.
Children played in yards along the way
home-made toys scattered on lawns
worn-out bicycles lean against houses.
Coal piled high to build fires
chimney’s curled with smoke
scents of food surged through the air.
Lives were lean and mean
no promises of added factories and stores.
A coal-camp built for a life of its own.
Families bonded with love and respect
time was important and days mattered.
All worked and strived to achieve
a life desired to develop to the highest.
Children respected their elders
and parents cared about their young.
Life in a coal-camp taught lessons
the results came alive and fulfilled
children saw their outcomes with joy.
People filled the church pews on Sunday
all rejoiced in the gifts provided for a week
living in a coal-camp in the hills of West Virginia.
Barbara Kasey Smith is the writer of this poem – Copyright 2015 – Use by Permission Only. Barbara’s New Book, Jailbait, Thriller/Suspense, is now available at lulu.com; Amazon.com; and Barnes & Noble.com.