Twas the night before Christmas and all through the mines,
not a worker was digging, no coal on the lines.
The hats and the lamps all hung in a row,
gave a glisten of rock dust to all those below.
When what to ones wondering pause came the fact,
that miners are dedicated and stay on track.
Above the cold ground there arose such a clatter,
the townspeople rose to see what was the matter.
When what to ones’ wondering eyes should appear,
but the miners all ready to put on their gear.
For you see no ones’ Christmas lights flickered so gently,
no warmth could be felt by the few nor the many.
So back to the earth rode the miners of coal,
to insure that all people could realize their goal.
Whether on surface or deep underground,
we all need coal miners to power our towns.
~Jeanne Caldwell
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone in the mining and support industries.
Illinois Mining Institute
