DRUMMER GIRL

 

A roar tremendous shook the earth

Waves of countless souls hissing

Brave hearts yanked from cosy hearth

Plunged into the fray heedless of dying.

 

Death from the sky rained down mercilessly
Unseen gases stole over the whole plain
In striking pose gruesome forms died wordlessly
With none to mourn or pray for the slain.

 

Hark! A distant sound pierced the burning site
From afar a figure in tatters marched steadily
Ceaselessly she beat the drum without respite
A brave child leading the charge readily.

 

A child!? He watched her advancing footfalls
With rippling awe and growing wonder
One lonesome soul unaware of pitfalls
Urging rustic kin to battle yonder.

 

Ceasfire! He the foe on the other side

Commanded his men to curb their martial zest

A sudden silence swept down deep and wide

With all ears pricked up towards the west.

 

She had followed her father's vanguard

Her face intent as her father's drum rolled

She acted like a fearless bodyguard

In a battle doomed as the bells tolled.

 

A shot rang out and lo! he fell

But the gallant lass unfazed

Marched sternly across the dell

Drumming away while the gods gazed.

 

All night long amidst the death throes

Parched and famished the little spark

Shone proudly among the fallen heroes

Eyes ever glistening in the dark.

 

Down her face the tears flowed

But she beat the drum without cease

The carnage of mortal combat slowed

As foes in silence bowed in peace.

 

The gods took counsel amidst deep sorrow:

"Let the drum beat be still!"

Then a foe's shot rang out on the morrow

And the drummer girl is nowhere on the hill.