The Worked-Out Mine

By Edward Dyson

Narrative Poem
The worked-out mine lies silent now, Its tunnels dark and cold; The pick is still, the miner’s brow, No longer sweats for gold. The veins are dry, the wealth is gone, The shafts are filled with gloom; The mine has had its day and done, And now it meets its doom. But once it rang with merry sound, Of hammer, drill, and song; The miner’s cheer would then resound, The days were bright and long. The worked-out mine is left behind, A ghost of what it was; It tells the tale of mankind’s grind, And all that labor does.
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

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: Mining, Labor, Decay, Reflection, Industry
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: E. Dyson
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A narrative poem reflecting on the end of a mine’s productive life, symbolizing the passage of time, the decay of industry, and the labor that once brought wealth and life to the tunnels.

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.