Wednesday 24 November 2010

Mining tragedy at Pike River, New Zealand

SEVENTEEN (In memory of Joseph Ray Dunbar and all those who died in the Pike River Mine, New Zealand.)



Joseph Ray Dunbar was just seventeen.

One week ago - turned seventeen.

No doubt had a few drinks out

with his mates.



He'd been through a rough patch, someone said.

Who doesn't ??!

A boy from the Coast,even-eyed.

But he's gotten a job now.



New boots.

The making of him, someone said.

You get a lot of respect with a job.

Couldn't wait !



Probably had his lunch packed.

The unlined face, the big smile.

Probably had a way with the girls.

The local girls.



Couldn't wait !

The local girls are wearing black.

Mothers and sons and husbands too.

He probably ran the last hundred yards....



Joseph Ray Dunbar.

Climbed aboard and headed on down.

A smile and a wave and a joke amongst men.

The biggest day of Joseph's life.



You caught the train, Joseph.

You took the train too soon.

You caught the train before your time.


(If you want to hear Gary McCormack reciting the poem live, click here: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/pike-river-mine-disaster/4386404/Audio-Gary-McCormick-poem-for-Pike-River-miners

Photo above: The day after hope was extinguished for the Pike River miners, flowers sit at the memorial for all West Coast miners that have lost their lives at the site of the Burnner disaster on the outskirts of Greymouth.

27 comments:

Donald said...

Bob as usual you go right to the heart of the matter!

Great post - yes great words by Gary too.

Well done

Cheers

Donald

Marja said...

Beautiful words. I met several people today here in Christchurch who cried because of this tragedy. Me included

Bob McKerrow - Wayfarer said...

Dear Donald

Gary wrote a superb poem and captures the heart of the tragedy.

Bob McKerrow - Wayfarer said...

Dear Marja

what a national tragedy. There must be so many grieving family and friends, and others like you and I, who feel so helpless to help.

Ruahines said...

Kia ora Bob,
As the father of a 17 year old probably much like this lad in many ways, this boy in particular has been heavily in my thoughts over this period.
And on this day of Thanksgiving in my original land it reminds me to appreciate the little things as it can all be taken away so very quickly.
Though I did not know any of these fellows personally, as transplanted Kiwi my heart goes out to the families and friends.
Cheers,
Robb

Bob McKerrow - Wayfarer said...

Yes Robb, a tragivc event. My boss in KL died of a heart attack at 62 less than 2 weeks ago and it makes you realise you have to enjoy every minutes and reach out and do those small things for others that sometimes we forget to do. Bob

Unknown said...

´Muy parecida a la tragedia que ocurrió en mi país, la diferencia fueron resultados distintos, todos luchamos por sacar a los nuestros que estaban a 700 metros de profundidad, en un cerro arenoso y una mina celosa, en un lugar que la imaginación de los que no conocen el Desierto de Atacama en Chile, no la pueden imaginar, es una tierra hosca, los 33 mineros salieron con vida, no nos importo cuanto costaba sacarlos, la consigna era "Vivos o muertos", acá no fue los mismo, ni lo uno ,ni lo otro, allí se quedaron para siempre...un abrazo para las madres, esposas, hijos, hijas hermanas

Daniela said...

It can't work in reality, that is exactly what I suppose.

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online stop tramadol addiction - overdose amount for tramadol

Anonymous said...

order soma soma drug what is it - soma medication benzo

Anonymous said...

soma muscle relaxant soma drug effects - online somali tv

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol cod next day delivery ultram tramadol forum - tramadol withdrawal blog

Anonymous said...

generic tadalafil cialis reviews webmd - generic cialis vs viagra

Anonymous said...

generic xanax xanax xr drug interactions - long do xanax 2mg last

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol tablets order tramadol cod overnight - tramadol hcl liver

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol cod overnight buy tramadol online reviews - tramadol for dogs mg

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol no prescription overnight tramadol hcl 93 - tramadol hcl lexapro

Anonymous said...

buy klonopin online klonopin withdrawal and depression - klonopin to get high

Anonymous said...

buy klonopin online sublingual klonopin high - klonopin withdrawal period

Anonymous said...

http://www.integrativeonc.org/adminsio/buyklonopinonline/#5508 klonopin side effects ejaculation - klonopin wafers picture

Anonymous said...

http://southcarolinaaccidentattorney.com/#93385 carisoprodol in drugbank - soma carisoprodol tablets 250 mg side effects

Anonymous said...

oZzy moved away a few months ago, I miss his cock, and I'm always hungry for intercourse.
FUCK MY PUSSY!

Here is my blog: hcg injections
My webpage: hcg injections

Anonymous said...

Your oωn post prονidеs establiѕhed bеnеficial to me personаlly.

It’s reаlly usеful and you гeally
аrе nаturаlly гeallу κnowledgeablе in this area.
You have got opened my fасe in оrdег tο
numerοus thоughts аbout this κinԁ of subject along with
іntгiguing anԁ reliable writtеn сontent.


My ωebраge ... buy Xenical online
My page :: buy Xenical

Anonymous said...

A lot of people will state that more than 20,000 coffee houses are found in Cairo.
The newspaper printing machines available online these days are superior
in performance. Many Muslims in Europe are first of all Europeans, European
by birth, conviction and citizenship AND Muslim by faith.
The newspaper editors, editors who have long had to respect the wishes of the Pakistani authorities, have been quick to realize the potential of the Internet.
Both clutched and being clutched, she was driven to the safety of her home
by the motorcyclists.

Here is my webpage; egyptian newspapers

Anonymous said...

It's a shame you don't have a donate button!

I'd most certainly donate to this fantastic blog! I suppose for now i'll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
I look forward to new updates and will share
this website with my Facebook group. Chat soon!

Also visit my webpage; bmr calculator to lose weight

Unknown said...

www0731

longchamp outlet
golden goose sneakers
canada goose outlet
valentino shoes
moncler jackets
coach outlet
ralph lauren uk
off white
nike outlet
pandora jewelry outlet









Unknown said...

www1016
adidas clothing
coach factory outlet
ugg boots clearance
nike shoes
ralph lauren polo
christian louboutin
vibram five fingers
ugg boots
true religion jeans
true religion