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.
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.
(If you want to hear Gary McCormack reciting the poem live, click here: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/pike-river-mine-disaster/4386404/Audio-Gary-McCormick-poem-for-Pike-River-miners
Photo above: The day after hope was extinguished for the Pike River miners, flowers sit at the memorial for all West Coast miners that have lost their lives at the site of the Burnner disaster on the outskirts of Greymouth.
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