When The Bell Blew Up

By Edward Dyson

Narrative Poem
The bell was ringing loud and clear, It echoed through the town; But suddenly, there came a fear, And the bell came crashing down. The people ran, the people cried, They didn’t know what to do; For the bell that had been their guide, Was now in pieces, too. The steeple shook, the ground did quake, The bell was no more to chime; And all were left with hearts that ache, As they thought of the passing time. But life goes on, the town remains, Though the bell has ceased to ring; And in their hearts, through joys and pains, They still hear its echoing.
Written: 1890-01-01

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Poem Details

Date Written: 1890-01-01
Date Published: 1890-01-01
Language: English
Keywords: Change, Loss, Community, Reflection, Time
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: E. Dyson
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A narrative poem that tells the story of a bell that was once the heart of the town, but which suddenly falls and breaks, symbolizing change and the passage of time, yet leaving an enduring impact.

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.