Pike River mine: 'West Coast's darkest hour' (click title to entry - thank you)
5:30 AM Thursday Nov 25, 2010
...It had been a slow acceptance of a grim reality, and yesterday was no different as the sorrowing relatives entered the large auditorium.
But within 10 minutes, a wail split the air: "Oh my God."
People stumbled out in tears, distraught, falling into each other's arms.
Sisters, grandmothers and strong, stocky fathers sobbed and supported one another as they returned to their cars.
A second explosion in the mine two hours earlier had crushed any hope. The 29 men were pronounced dead....
In memory of the Pike River miners (click here)
Remembering the lives of the Pike River miners. You can leave your message of condolence.(In memory of Joseph Ray Dunbar and all those who died in the Pike River Mine.)
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.
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.
