Army Poems
The Continental Army
by Marilyn Nelson
As I lifted the kettle from the hob,
I heard the sound of drums from far away.
I paused a moment. Then that hot water
got heavy. But I listened while I worked:
a steady rhythm, now and then a fife.
I washed, wiped and put the dishes away,
then dried my hands and hung up the dishrag.
Now I heard hoof beats and many men's boots.
I took my shawl and stepped into the dusk.
......
Revenge
by Frangipani Rhett
Let's face it you're real bad at being good boy
Carried me over the broomstick and flew away that night
I've brought you back in virtual reality, an original copy
And I'm having a hard time acting naturally
I'll watch you grow smaller by the minute
When you realize you have one choice
You're living in an oxymoron
But I've got loyal opposition
And we're the living dead
......
Impromptu On Dumourier's Desertion Of The French Republican Army
by Robert Burns
YOU'RE welcome to Despots, Dumourier;
You're welcome to Despots, Dumourier:
How does Dampiere do?
Ay, and Bournonville too?
Why did they not come along with you, Dumourier?
I will fight France with you, Dumourier;
I will fight France with you, Dumourier;
I will fight France with you,
I will take my chance with you;
By my soul, I'll dance with you, Dumourier.
......
Army of Occupation
by Sarah Morgan Bryan Piatt
The summer blew its little drifts of sound—
Tangled with wet leaf-shadows and the light
Small breath of scattered morning buds—around
The yellow path through which our footsteps wound.
Below, the Capitol rose glittering white.
There stretched a sleeping army. One by one,
They took their places until thousands met;
No leader's stars flashed on before, and none
Leaned on his sword or stagger'd with his gun—
......
Revenge
by Frangipani Rhett
Let's face it you're real bad at being good boy
Carried me over the broomstick and flew away that night
I've brought you back in virtual reality, an original copy
And I'm having a hard time acting naturally
I'll watch you grow smaller by the minute
When you realize you have one choice
You're living in an oxymoron
But I've got loyal opposition
And we're the living dead
......
Army of Occupation
by Sarah Morgan Bryan Piatt
The summer blew its little drifts of sound—
Tangled with wet leaf-shadows and the light
Small breath of scattered morning buds—around
The yellow path through which our footsteps wound.
Below, the Capitol rose glittering white.
There stretched a sleeping army. One by one,
They took their places until thousands met;
No leader's stars flashed on before, and none
Leaned on his sword or stagger'd with his gun—
......
The Continental Army
by Marilyn Nelson
As I lifted the kettle from the hob,
I heard the sound of drums from far away.
I paused a moment. Then that hot water
got heavy. But I listened while I worked:
a steady rhythm, now and then a fife.
I washed, wiped and put the dishes away,
then dried my hands and hung up the dishrag.
Now I heard hoof beats and many men's boots.
I took my shawl and stepped into the dusk.
......
Impromptu On Dumourier's Desertion Of The French Republican Army
by Robert Burns
YOU'RE welcome to Despots, Dumourier;
You're welcome to Despots, Dumourier:
How does Dampiere do?
Ay, and Bournonville too?
Why did they not come along with you, Dumourier?
I will fight France with you, Dumourier;
I will fight France with you, Dumourier;
I will fight France with you,
I will take my chance with you;
By my soul, I'll dance with you, Dumourier.
......
