Struck it at Last by Edward Dyson
The narrative centers on a miner named Geordie, who embodies resilience and optimism despite a life filled with hardship and disappointment. He is depicted as an aging man, nearly blind and worn down by years of labor, yet he maintains a spirited demeanor, often singing about his unwavering belief that he will eventually find wealth. Geordie's journey takes him through various mining locations, including Buninyong and Ballarat, where he participates in the gold rush and engages in struggles alongside fellow miners. His experiences are marked by a mix of fleeting successes and frequent failures, yet he remains undeterred, consistently returning to the hope of striking it rich. Throughout the poem, Geordie's character is defined by his positive outlook, even in the face of adversity. He does not succumb to bitterness or despair when luck eludes him; instead, he continues to work hard and dream of better days. His determination is highlighted by his ability to start anew after setbacks, demonstrating a relentless spirit. As Geordie ages, he reflects on his past, recalling the camaraderie and challenges faced during his mining days. Even as he nears the end of his life, he clings to his dreams and the memories of his adventures, showcasing a life lived with purpose and hope. Ultimately, the narrative culminates in a poignant moment where Geordie's spirit remains unbroken, and he finally achieves his long-sought fortune, symbolizing the triumph of hope and perseverance over life's trials.
By Edward Dyson · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 548 words
First lines
He was almost blind, and wasted / With the wear of many years; / He had laboured, and had tasted / Bitter troubles, many cares; / But his laugh was loud and ringing, / And his flag was on the mast -- / Every day they heard him singing: / 'Bound to strike it rich at last.'
Here he brandished axe and maul ere / Buninyong, and after that / Fought and bled with Peter Lalor / And the boys at Ballarat. / East and west and northward, striving, / As the tides set fresh and fast -- / Ever trying, rarely thriving -- / Yes, he'd strike it rich at last.
What this Textopian page supports
Struck it at Last is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edward Dyson, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edward Dyson
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Inspirational, Biographical
- Length: 548 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Struck it at Last by Edward Dyson
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Similar titles
- The Prospectors by Edward Dyson
- The Fossicker by Edward Dyson
- Battered Bob by Edward Dyson
- With French To Kimberley by Andrew Barton Paterson
- The One Escape by Charles Kingsley
- In Waste Places by Gilbert Parker
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Historical Fiction — The poem references historical events and figures related to the Australian gold rush, providing a narrative set in a specific historical context.
- Adventure — The themes of striving for wealth and the challenges faced during the gold mining era suggest an adventurous spirit.
- Inspirational — The protagonist's unwavering hope and determination to succeed despite hardships convey an inspirational message.
Tags
adventure · gold rush · Australia · mining · friendship · struggle · perseverance · wealth · discovery · rivalry · hope · hardship