The Toucher

Author: Edward Dyson


The toucher comes with words so sweet,
He whispers in your ear;
He promises the world complete,
He takes away your fear.

He tells you tales of wealth and gain,
Of riches yet to come;
He speaks of joy and ends of pain,
He sings a siren’s hum.

But when the time is right to pay,
The toucher’s gone and fled;
He’s left you with a debt to weigh,
A burden on your head.

The toucher’s game is old as time,
He knows the ropes too well;
But still he plays with charm and rhyme,
And leaves you in his spell.

Type of Poem: Narrative Poem

Date Written: 1890-01-01

Date Published: 1890-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Deception, Greed, Manipulation, Caution, Warning

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher: E. Dyson

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: A narrative poem about "The Toucher," a deceptive character who manipulates others with sweet words and false promises, ultimately leaving them in debt and despair.

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.