The Rescue

By Edward Dyson

The waves were high, the night was dark, The ship was lost at sea; But through the storm there came a spark, A light of hope for me. The lifeboat came, with crew so brave, They battled through the foam; They risked their lives our lives to save, And bring us safely home. The storm was fierce, the waves were strong, But still they pressed ahead; They fought the sea the whole night long, And saved us from the dread. The rescue came, and we were spared, From death’s cold, icy hand; And all because of those who dared, To brave the sea and land.
Written: 1890-01-01

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Poem Details

Date Written: 1890-01-01
Date Published: 1890-01-01
Language: English
Keywords: Rescue, Bravery, Sea, Survival, Hope
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: E. Dyson
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
A narrative poem recounting a dramatic sea rescue, celebrating the bravery of the lifeboat crew who risked their lives to save others from a stormy fate.

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.