“Grandfathers” by Richard Durschlag

What does it matter
That mine workers die
Explosions rock the ground
Communities wrecked

Mountains striped of life
Water poisoned
Lungs left black
Bodies worn out

They are only workers
Insignificant people
Cannon fodder
Cogs in the machine

Offerings to the almighty dollar
Corporations rule
Greed stands supreme
Safety forgotten for black gold

An immigrant from afar
After the war to end all wars
Held a passion for the land
And a need to find a job

He carried heavy beams
Deep inside the earth
Suddenly buried underground
I was almost never born

What does it matter
Energy before all
Community life lost
Smoke and profits fill the air

They are only workers
Only means to riches
Only the heart of our families
Only my grandfathers