West Virginia is in the news again. It's sad, that the reason that the people of the world get to see the state is through the lens of tragedy. My thoughts and Prayers go out to the families in Raleigh County. When there's a mining disaster it literally affects the whole state, just because of how many rely on the mining industry. Everyone knows someone who's a miner here. I applaud Governor Manchin for how he handled himself in interviews I've seen, and for the impression he's leaving on the world. Sadly, he may be known by many as the Governor that 'knows mining disasters'-a title that no one should have. As we wait for the final resolution to this recent disaster, I hope that engineers and lawmakers have already begun to formulate ideas on how to make it safer.. be it through legislation or practical mechanics. Below I'm passing on a poem I found. I think it speaks well to the situation here.

Ode to the Men of the Mine

  In that land of valleys,

 that echoed their song,

 brave men would descend,

 down shafts so long.



 Not knowing if they would see,

 the next light of day,

 these men would make, 

 their living this way.



  Tough and rugged, 

were these men of the mine, 

and at home waiting,

 were their woman so fine.



 Hoping beyond hope,

 not to hear,

 that alarm that meant,

 disaster was near. 



 Young lads also worked,

 in that deep dark mine,

 as there lungs filled with dust,

 that killed many with time.



 Working long hour,

 on that cold damp seam,

 as tons of ruck above,

 supported by rafter and beam.



  At shift end,

 ascending tired and black,

 knowing tomorrow,

 they had to go back.



 Working long hours,

 for little pay, 

their eyes now adjusting

 to the light of day.



  These were my ancestors, Grandfather and Dad, 

who's voices sang the songs,

 passed from father to lad.



 Those great voices that filled, 

the valley so loud,

 the men of the mine,

 for whom I'm so proud.

-Del Morgan