A SONNET ON WORK DONE
INDEPENDENT OF THE COAL SECTION
OF THE INDIANA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Douglas L. Love, 1971

I must come down again beneath the earth:
Traverse the vaulted hall; the twisted maze-
TO search again for that which is of worth;
That sights before unseen may meet my gaze.
WIth compass, tape and pen I chart my course:
And noting every width and ever bend.
If I grow weary, I state with remorse;
"Why does this cave appear to have no end?"
Yes why do I continue?  If I cease,
Those other greedy mappers will stand tall.
Deferring to their pride will not bring peace,
Therefore I persevere--map every crawl.
So others, following in my path might say,
"He came here once, and mapped to show the way."

After writing this piece, quite bitter over
the conflicts discussed on the surface in 
this sonnet.  But after a discussion with 
my father, I find the entire work permeated
with a double meaning--the Christ Image that is 
considered by some the start of the surface
problem, and which I considere the only solution 
to the strife.