Mining For Words

There’s no gleaning of the West Virginia mine tragedy in this household without one of my first – and favorite – books of poetry coming to mind.  Written by South Florida poet James Brock, The Sunshine Mine Disaster chronicles a 1970s mine shaft fire in Jim’s native Idaho from the perspective of the miners.  This silver mine catastrophe claimed the lives of 91 miners and left two survivors who lasted over a week thanks to water from air conditioner condensation and food from dead friends’ lunches.  I remember at the time being somewhat turned off because the language seemed too formal and controlled for that of a young blue-collar worker.  But the overall result is simple and lovely.  I recommend this book to any “picky reader” who wants something stirring, yet accessible.

Disclosure:  I knew Jim many years ago.  We have long lost touch and I’m not sure how clearly he’d remember me among the sea of students who’ve come and gone since then, but I re-read this first book whenever I’m diving into my book stacks in search of something critical and time-sensitive (but put it off until I’ve flipped through Sunshine Mine once more). 

If he returns to the Miami Book Fair next year, I’ll definitely plan a reconnaissance.