Home » Poems » Tom Cunningham » Aberfan Disaster 21st October 1966

Tom Cunningham | + Follow Poet |

Aberfan Disaster 21st October 1966

Poet's Notes

(Show)

Become a Premium Member and post notes and photos about your poem like Tom Cunningham.

picture owned by mirror .co.uk

If you ever visit South Wales do go and see The location of what was an awful tragedy Famous for the wrong reasons the town of Aberfan Suffered an unspeakable horror that was caused by man. On the twenty first of October at nine fifteen Was the worst mining disaster that Wales had ever seen A spoil tip that had been piled high just above the town Was loosened by rainwater and came crashing down. Pantglas junior school was just below in its path Children ready for lessons at their desks' they were sat The tip hit the school a hundred and forty four died When the news was released the whole nation cried. Volunteers came and they dug down quite deep The teachers and children were already 'asleep' A farmhouse and cottages with people inside They too lost their lives in the thundering mudslide. In the horrific events twenty five did survive Were found by the rescuers shocked but alive Painful memories they have of what happened that day It's a terrible burden they carry that won't go away. A memorial garden marks the spot where they died And on a hillside they're buried side by side Their little white markers are harrowing to see A stark reminder of that awful tragedy. (Dedicated to all those who lost their lives at Aberfan on that fateful morning of 21st October 1966)

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 4/16/2022 10:26:00 AM

wow, another new thing I learned by going way back in your poetry pages. Such a tragedy this was!! Also wishing you a Happy Easter, Tom.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 4/16/2022 10:30:00 AM

Thank you very much Andrea, I was only ten when it happened but I remember it well. Hope you to have a lovely Easter weekend. Tom

Harry Horsman

Date: 1/29/2022 6:09:00 PM

Remember this so well, Tom. my wife and I and 2 youngsters left England in July of that year, to New Zealand, Television in its infancy those days there. A couple of days later before pictures arrived of the terrible tragedy. Your poem a fine dedication.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 1/30/2022 3:39:00 AM

Thank you very much Harry, I remember as a ten year old seeing it on the telly and newspapers, a tragedy that could have been prevented. Went there a few years ago and it's now a memorial garden where the school once stood. Tom

Brenda Chiri

Date: 2/6/2020 4:07:00 PM

Tom congrats on your hm!;)

Tom Cunningham
Date: 2/6/2020 4:26:00 PM

Thank you very much Brenda, Visited Aberfan when I was down that way, so sad to see all the little white Headstones of the children who lost their lives. Tom

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 1/21/2020 8:56:00 AM

So sad. Tribute to the fallen so they will be remembered and not forgotten. Especially sad when children die in such a horrific way. Always gets our attention. I saw the little shoes of a baby from the titanic who dies in the icy waters.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 1/21/2020 9:12:00 AM

Thank you Kim, I was only only ten when it happened but I remember it well, Aberfan used to be a mining village until disasters struck. Visited the memorial garden where the school once stood. Not far from the village is the cemetery where all the children are buried, such a sad sight to see. Titanic was another dark tragedy, felt compelled to write a poem about that too. Tom

Silent One

Date: 4/4/2018 11:41:00 AM

A horrific event I did not know about, sad how so many know England won the football world cup that year, but not this.. Thank you for the education... Has it stopped raining?

Tom Cunningham
Date: 4/4/2018 12:25:00 PM

I know S.O. , remember both events well, I remember all the papers showing the harrowing images. Went to the town last year and where it happened is now a memorial park. On the hillside outside the town is the cemetery where all the children are buried. Been raining on and off all day, the avons overflowing.

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 12/15/2017 12:52:00 AM

I see y have an inter st in history. Another excellent story.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/15/2017 2:50:00 AM

A tragic story but back then there was no health and safety laws. It certainly would not happen today. I was there early in the year and found it a very lonely place, I don't think the people ever got over it. Regard Tom

Rhoda Tripp

Date: 11/25/2017 7:35:00 PM

Sad and beautiful both. Nice tribute. I had to read it when I saw the date...just a few months before I was born. Great write, Tom.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/25/2017 10:34:00 PM

Rhoda, It must be one of the worst mining tragedies' that ever happened and what made it so sad was that so many children lost their lives. Regards Tom.

Roy Pett

Date: 11/25/2017 6:56:00 AM

This is a well written tribute Tom, of all the disasters Aberfan is the most memorable mostly due to the loss of the children, but also how the authorities at the time not accepting responsibility for the disaster, great poem and thanks for sharing.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/25/2017 7:22:00 AM

Thank you Roy, I went there earlier in the year to pay my respects, I found it a very lonely place and often think of it. Sadly nothing changes, Look at Grenfell Tower they are still looking for someone to blame. Regards Tom

Lisa Brown

Date: 11/23/2017 8:16:00 PM

Very touching. Great poem.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 4/16/2022 10:33:00 AM

Thank you very much Lisa. Tom