(Alder Gulch, Virginia City Montana is where I first got bit! I wrote these lines in memory of that fateful day.)
The Alder Gulch Virus, or, Why I Chase The Gold
In days gone by, when just a lad
My sister’s spouse did somethin’ bad
A ghostly town we went to see,
That lit a fire within me . . .
Virginia City’s driving force
Was mining gold. You knew of course
That Henry Plummer ruled that town
‘Til vigilantes brought him down.
But his demise is not my goal,
A bug bit me to take its toll.
It bred a fever inside me,
Away down south, in Montanny.
What plague is that, you’ll likely say,
That sickened me that fateful day?
A golden fever, spread in me
And since that day, I ain’t been free.
The bug that bit that special day,
Infected me in every way.
Just let me say, there ain’t no pill,
To cure that sassy fever’s ill.
I’ve tried to lick it, ain’t no fun
That potent fever’s always won.
It’s driven me around the bend,
Up mountain streams, to canyon’s end.
It’s made me search in arctic climes
And in the desert many times.
But nothin’ ever seems to kill
My golden fever’s iron will.
But should I cure it? What the heck?
There’s tougher ways to stretch one’s neck!
There’s booze and parties, speed and weed;
There’s lust and pride. There’s crime and greed.
But blast it all, it seems to me
It ain’t the gold that’s drivin’ me.
The lookin’ for it's got me hooked
That’s why my fevered brain is cooked.
All the best,
Lanny
All the best,
Lanny
Here's some videos of historic Virginia City Montana which holds a special spot in my prospecting heart:
Replies
Now that was a lovely little read thanks for sharing with us
You are most welcome, and thanks for dropping in to leave a note.
All the best,
Lanny
Like the poem, very cool
Thanks!
All the best,
Lanny
Nice poem: Been to that area many times, but got bit by the bug about 60miles north. The gold bug sure does get around.
Thanks, and by the way, what area 60 miles north are you talking about, if you don't mind sharing? And, I agree with you 100% that the gold bug sure does travel.
All the best,
Lanny
Talk about hitting the gold nail on the head. V ery cool poem
Many thanks for stopping to leave such a nice comment!
All the best,
Lanny
very good poem Lanny, I enjoyed the read.. Thank you Sir..
You are very welcome! Thanks for your kind words.
All the best,
Lanny