Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE HERO OF THE GUN, by MARGARET JUNKIN PRESTON Poet's Biography First Line: The captain galloped to the front Last Line: "andI have kept my word!" Subject(s): Courage; Valor; Bravery | ||||||||
THE Captain galloped to the front, The foam upon his rein; And, as he urged his swerving steed Across a pile of slain, He hailed the gunner at his post: "Ho, Fergus! pour your shell Straight in the face of yon stout line That holds the height so well, "And never slack your raking fire No, not to cool your gun; For if we break those stubborn ranks, I think the day is won." The gunner wiped his smoke-dimmed face "I'll do the best I can, And downbrave fellows though they be We'll bring them to a man!" "I'll trust you for it!"Like a flash The Captain turned and wheeled, And with his sword above his head Dashed backward to the field. Fierce belched the cannon's ceaseless fire, With deadly crash and din; And, though the line still held the height, Its ranks began to thin. "Two roundsand we will clear the hill!" But, as the gunner spoke, A sudden overwhelming storm Of bullets o'er him broke. And when the smoke had lifted, there Still straining all his powers, They heard him shout: "Two shots, my boys, And then the day is ours! "No matter if one arm be gone, I keep the other still; I promised I would do my best, And so, you'll see, I will! "Let me make trial while my strength Can do the duty set; I tell you that this strong left hand Is good for service yet!" They primed the piece, and twice he sent, With all too deadly aim, The shells that mowed the broken line, And swept the hill with flame. "Where's Fergus?"and the Captain's horse Came spurring into sight "Where's Fergus? let him take my thanks, His fire has won the fight!" The dying gunner raised his head, His lips were faintly stirred "Captain, I said I'd do my best AndI have kept my word!" | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...UNLESS IT WAS COURAGE by MARVIN BELL THE QUALITY OF COURAGE by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET ON THE OREGON COAST; FOR WILLIAM STAFFORD by ROBERT BLY WORDS WITH WALLACE STEVENS by ROBERT BLY BUFFALO CLOUDS OVER THE MAESTRO HOON by NORMAN DUBIE A SONG OF COURAGE by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON THE AUDACIOUS by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON OH, THE WATER by DORIANNE LAUX THE FIRST PROCLAMATION OF MILES STANDISH [NOVEMBER 23, 1620] by MARGARET JUNKIN PRESTON THE FIRST THANKSGIVING DAY [1621] by MARGARET JUNKIN PRESTON UNDER THE SHADE OF THE TREES [MAY 10, 1863] by MARGARET JUNKIN PRESTON |
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