BillJim

By Edward Dyson

Narrative Poem
BillJim was a digger, and he went to the West, With a shovel and pick and a hole in his vest; But the luck wasn’t there, and the diggings were dead, And the swells and the swags were a long way ahead. BillJim was a man with a heart that was true, And he worked like a dog, but the money was few; So he packed up his swag and he went to the bush, Where he built him a hut and he lived on the push. But the years came and went, and the hair turned gray, And the money was spent, and the swags were away; And BillJim was left in his hut all alone, With his shovel and pick and his heart turned to stone. But he never gave in, and he never lost heart, Though the years brought him trouble and death for a part; He just stuck to his work, and he toiled day by day, And he died in his hut, and he passed away. And the diggers all say that BillJim was a man, For he never gave up, and he fought while he can; And the swells and the swags, they all bless his name, For BillJim was true, and he played out the game.
Written: 1890-01-01

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Narrative Poems
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Date Written: 1890-01-01
Date Published: 1890-01-01
Language: English
Keywords: Digger, Resilience, Hard Work, Bush Life, Legacy
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: E. Dyson
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A narrative poem telling the story of BillJim, a determined digger who faced hardship with resilience and dedication, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and perseverance.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.