# Riding an Avalanche explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by James McIntyre.

## What happens

Two miners in Colorado attempt to stake a mining claim on a steep mountain crest during winter. One triggers an avalanche and is carried down the mountain on it, while the other races alongside on Norwegian snow shoes. Both survive the harrowing descent, with the rider landing safely on his ranch after three miles.

## Themes in this chapter

### Pioneer and Settler Struggles

The miners' dangerous journey to stake a claim and their survival of an avalanche illustrate the perils faced by pioneers in the American West.

### Nature and the Environment

The avalanche and snowy mountain landscape are central to the narrative, highlighting the power and unpredictability of nature.

## Key lines

> Two miners full of pluck and game, Wished to locate a mining claim, On a high steep mountain crest In Colorado of the West.

Two brave miners wanted to find and claim a mining site on a high, steep mountain peak in Colorado.

_Introduces the miners' goal and setting._

> Which quickly starts an avalanche, He seizes on a stout tree branch, But all in vain he rushes fast, His snow shoes in the avalanche.

His movement triggers an avalanche; he grabs a tree branch but is swept away, his snow shoes caught in the sliding snow.

_Describes the avalanche's start and the first miner's predicament._

> The man on Avalanche doth yell To his friend you are doing well. With your shoes Norwegian, Swifter than a toboggan, Go on, go on, you’ll win the race, For we are slack’ning in our pace.

The man riding the avalanche shouts encouragement to his friend, saying he is doing well and will outrun the avalanche because it is slowing down.

_Shows the rider's perspective and the race-like dynamic._

> He stops quite sudden ’neath a rock, It passed o’er him with mighty shock, Though it did cause him great alarm, Yet still he was all safe from harm.

He suddenly stops under a rock; the avalanche passes over him with a great shock, frightening him but leaving him unharmed.

_Describes the friend's escape by sheltering under a rock._

> The Avalanche yet downward slides, And his friend on it he rides, Until it safely him doth launch On outer edge of his own ranch.

The avalanche continues sliding down, and his friend rides it until it safely deposits him at the edge of his own ranch.

_Concludes the rider's journey and safe landing._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters/riding-an-avalanche
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_12_se/chapters