As dawn breaks over the horizon, they gather at the mouth of the mine, faces weathered by years of toil underground. Once more they descend into the depths with a sense of purpose ingrained in their blood.
Shimmering flames of lanterns highlight calloused hands from years of hard labour as they chip away at the stubborn earth. Black gold glimmers from the seam as the miners confront the dangers with courage and fortitude engrained in their soul, knowing that their families depend on their will to overcome.
The fire within them pushes them further with each swing of the axe, moulding their hands to the tools they use and the material they pull from the coal face.
Another shift over as they emerge into the darkness of the winter night, looking for solace of the family fireside to warm their blood once more.
Ian Mackenzie