by CWB
No view of majestic mountains is found where the pride of existence is sheared off.
Once rounded and green is now scarred and festered.
Poisoned streams and dirty air stalk the hills and valleys.
Inspiration is strangled and oppression continues.
They say that someday it will be beautiful again.
They say that we need the fuel to make our lives comfortable.
They say there is no other alternative to raping the hilltops to get the riches.
They say that the few who are dispossessed of their heritage is a fair price to pay.
Appalachia is held hostage to our Nation’s greed.
No future exits for families who live under the thunder of destruction.
Walls of black waste are poised for murder.
Streams are buried under waste.
Is their sacrifice justified by my comfort?
Must we all bow to King Coal?
The toxic slurry is not only left behind in black pools--
It is found in the hearts, minds, and bodies of our neighbors,
and in the souls of the exploiters.
