Notes About The Poem

For purposes of publication Nevada Gold may keep its name or be re-titled California Gold.

Nevada Gold

The trail along which we now ride
Was made by folks with visions bold,
A westward moving human tide,
Who nurtured dreams of farms or gold.

From the promise of day’s first light,
Through somber sand and sage, they rode
In savage heat and gelid night,
Bound for the distant Mother Lode.

Their deep grooved ruts are now obscure
Along the winding desert track
Where traveled once the pioneers
In some imagined days, way back.

For those who passed, the dreams are done;
And most who failed left tales untold
With wagon wheels and oxen bones
And wood crosses above their own.

In the debris of that vast land
Lay a pink bottle, half in sand,                                     
Which sparkled in the twilight gold.
It held a faded note which told:

“Tis a helluva place where I have died.
I did not make it, but I’m glad I tried.”

4/1/19/ 2019 Poetry Marathon Final Placement / Sponsor: Mark Toney
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Gist Avatar
October 17, 2019 at 5:32 PM
Was it Vegas the place of reincarnation?
Dietrich Avatar
April 21, 2019 at 3:51 PM
great writing on that period of history when so much was sacrificed for a better life. Congrats on your marathon win, David.
Gauthier Avatar
April 20, 2019 at 11:11 PM
Lovely poem, David. Congrats on your win.
Toney Avatar
April 20, 2019 at 5:34 PM
after 122 days, 27 contests, and 945 submitted poems, my 2019 Poetry Marathon Contest has finally come to its end. Congratulations on placing 21st overall in the marathon! There is no provision to denote this in the Standard Contest other than Honorable Mention. Your participation in my contests is much appreciated. ~Mark
Toney Avatar
February 3, 2019 at 7:39 PM
David, your word choice is brilliant! The fourth stanza is my favorite, and the last two lines sum up the derring-do of those intrepid souls. Congratulations on your third-place win on Mile 15 of my 2019 Poetry Marathon Contest! Thank you so much for supporting my contests. By continuing to place in the contests you are accumulating points toward the final. ~Mark
 Avatar
January 9, 2019 at 2:59 PM
I really like this poem. It would work nicely in the coffee table book I am working on if interested in being published. Sandy Powell
Drowley Avatar
January 10, 2019 at 5:28 PM
Sandy, Thank you for your kind comment. I would certainly consider incorporation of Nevada Gold in uour book as long as I retain my copyright. I am curious about planned layout of pages. Are you thinking of a photograph or painting to associate with each poem? David
One Avatar
June 21, 2018 at 5:30 AM
Great poem David..
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace