Skip to content
1842–1914

THE NATIONAL GUARDSMAN

Ambrose Bierce

I'm a gorgeous golden hero And my trade is taking life. Hear the twittle-twittle-tweero Of my sibillating fife

And the rub-a-dub-a-dum Of my big bass drum! I'm an escort strong and bold, The Grand Army to protect.

My countenance is cold And my attitude erect. I'm a Californian Guard And my banner flies aloft,

But the stones are O, so hard! And my feet are O, so soft!

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
THE NATIONAL GUARDSMAN · Ambrose Bierce · Poetry Cove