Coal and Albert Berry

by Ted Edwards



To the coal walked Albert Berry, drill of iron in his hand.

Off to fight another battle for the people of this land.



Said the coal to Albert Berry, ''Forty years you've been a man.

You've took away the best part of me. Today I'll kill you if I can.''



Albert took his drill of iron, and he drilled himself a hole.

''For forty years you've tried to kill me.'' said Albert Berry to the coal.



Said the coal to Albert Berry, ''I have scarred your back with blue,

And your lungs are black and tattered, today I'll make an end of you!''



Albert took the shot and wire and plunged them deep into the hole.

''Now do your worst you black old devil.'' said Albert Berry to the coal.



Shouted the coal to Albert Berry, as Albert pushed the plunger deep,

''I will make your wife a widow! I will make your children weep!''



A ton of dirt flew down the tunnel as Albert crouched into a hole.

''So you didn't get me this time.'' said Albert Berry to the coal.



Albert stepped into the tunnel and he did not hear the sound,

As a ton of dirt and rubble crushed Albert Berry to the ground.



Then said the coal to Albert Berry as Albert's blood seeped in the floor.

''Men have always won the battles, but I always win the war!''



Then said the ghost of Albert Berry out of every bag of coal,

''There'll be other Albert Berrys.'' said Albert Berry to the coal.



@work @mine

filename[ COALALB

SF

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