Wyoming Coal

So passer-by come sit by me and hear my tale

don't heed the screech of that mocking jay

in the pay of those that put Wyoming up for sale

mining coals to send to China to speed dismay 

coming our way when high rains

pour on parchéd dirt

worn out by grazing and ceaseless drought 

flash floods mudslides and fire, 

high tides erode our beaches 

wash away our waterfronts.

Tell me stranger what more can we do

to hasten our demise?

Shall we send more trains?  Please explain 

our assisted suicide, 

interstate commerce as far as it goes

then over to Canada to repose

in a carrier bound for China all 

Wyoming's best coal at a premium price

a profitable deal and Wyoming

is far now from the coast.

Or walk on then don't sit awhile but hear my song...

                         Dick Russell

                      copyright © 2023

                      Richard M Russell