The Prospectors

By Edward Dyson

The prospectors go forth with hope, To seek the hidden gold; They climb the rugged mountain slope, And brave the heat and cold. They search the rivers, dig the earth, And sift the gravel fine; They dream of wealth, they dream of worth, Beneath the ancient pine. The prospectors are strong and true, They face the dangers near; They toil all day, the whole night through, Without a doubt or fear. For they believe in what they seek, And never once give in; The prospectors, though worn and weak, Will fight the fight to win.
Written: 1890-01-01

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Poem Details

Date Written: 1890-01-01
Date Published: 1890-01-01
Language: English
Keywords: Adventure, Perseverance, Mining, Hope, Endurance
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: E. Dyson
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
A narrative poem about the prospectors, highlighting their perseverance and hope as they search for gold, enduring the hardships of the rugged landscape in their quest for fortune.

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.