The Old Whim Horse

Author: Edward Dyson


The old whim horse goes round and round,
In a circle ever small;
He drags the load from underground,
And never heeds the call.

He’s worn and weary, old and gray,
His steps are slow and weak;
He plods along from day to day,
With never a word to speak.

The old whim horse has seen his prime,
But now he’s just a slave;
He toils away through dust and grime,
And knows no rest or grave.

But still he works with patient care,
And never once complains;
The old whim horse, he does his share,
In the mine’s long, dark domains.

Type of Poem: Narrative Poem

Date Written: 1890-01-01

Date Published: 1890-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Labor, Endurance, Mining, Patience, Weariness

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher: E. Dyson

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: A narrative poem about the old whim horse, a symbol of endurance and patience in the harsh conditions of mining life, representing the tireless labor and weariness of the worker.

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.