Sometimes 'tis far off, and sometimes 'tis nigh, <br />Such drummerdery noises too they be ! <br />'Tis odd — oh, I do hope I baint to die <br />Just as the summer months be coming on, <br />And buffly chicken out, and bumble-bee : <br />Though, to be sure, I cannot hear 'em plain <br />For this drat row as goes a-drumming on. <br />Just like a little soldier in my brain. <br /> <br />And oh, I've heard we got to go through flame <br />And water-floods — but maybe 'tisn't true ! <br />I alius were a-frightened o' the sea. <br />And burning fires — oh, it would be a shame <br />And all the garden ripe, and sky so blue. <br />Such drummerdery noises, too, they be.<br /><br />Frederick William (FW) Harvey<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-oldest-inhabitant-hears-far-off-the-drums-of-death/
