At Aberfan on mountain side
I saw the coaltip slide
Mud and rock came sliding down
Engulfing the little mining town.

Children at school had just said prayers
Little to know what fate was theirs
Help came quickly from near and far
They came on foot, by coach and car.

Men toiled with picks, shovels, and hands
For their loved ones in those slimy sands
They worked so hard by day and night
To reveal, more than once, a dreadful sight.

Stop Work! Cried a voice, so loud and clear
To listen for a cry, a whimper near
Out of the debris a child is brought
Safe to the world, in arms so taut.

Mams, dads, brothers, sisters wait
Knowing too well the cruel hand of fate
Why should God take my child? mothers cry long
But in heaven, angels sing a new song.

Side by side, in one big grave
The souls of those Christ died to save
You who are sorrowing and in your grief
Don't let this tragedy shake your belief.

Have faith that all is not entirely lost
Even though you've paid with bitter human cost
Turn now to God for courage to sustain
Where, by this faith, you're sure to meet again.

Stanley Lewis - Paignton, Devon

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Stanley writes: "I lived in Swansea in 1966 and was at a garage filling up with petrol when I heard on the radio there had be a landslide into a school in Wales. It did not sound very serious at the time but as the day wore on it became clear the extent was horrendous with children involved, and as we all know the death toll was 114 children and 28 adults.

"On November 18 2006 I visited Aberfan for the first time ever to see the graves and attend a concert given by The Ynysowen Choir supported by The Riviera Concert Brass and lady singer. It was a attended by a full house at the Leisure Centre and was a wonderful musical evening to be remembered for a long time.

"I have never been led to write a poem in my life before the Aberfan disaster, but over the years I gradually put this one together."