Out of the Dark Thomas Doss

A Miner's Tale

This work is dedicated to the miners, who often had to perform their duties under the most difficult conditions, frequently risking their lives. Many lost their lives in accidents throughout history, and many families lost their fathers. A Miners Tale describes the beginning of a shift, marked by the signal on the wooden board. The foreman and the miners begin their arduous work underground. Suddenly, danger strikes, leading to a terrible collapse.Trapped beneath the rubble, the miners are overwhelmed by fear, despair, and loneliness. Only their camaraderie and the memory of their loved ones keep them going. In the darkest moment, in the dim light of their fading mining lamp, a vision of Saint Barbara the patron saint of miners appears before them. Shortly thereafter, they hear the sound of approaching rescue. Overcome with joy and relief, they begin to hum the Steigerlied in exhaustion.

Bar 3 The signal on the wooden board announces the start of a new underground shift

Bar 10 Glück auf! (Miners traditional greeting: Good luck!)

Bar 24 Foreman and miners the shift begins Bar 62 Hardships deep underground Bar 91 Sudden danger arises

Bar 100 Fear of never returning

Bar 108 Thoughts of family

Bar 121 Resigned to fate

Bar 132 Vision of Saint Barbara and rescue

Bar 146 Steigerlied Homecoming and church bells