Dutch Creek #1
April 15, 1981
Fifteen men
Waiting to descend
Into the hole, joking
Squinting at the sun
Having a smoke
Taking in the valley’s sweep
Waiting for the trip to roll
Some wishing they were home
Staring at muddy boots
Daydreaming
The hoistman pays out the rope -
A fleeting glimpse of sun
Riding into the portal
For the last time