This poem is an excerpt from the book "Revolutionary Verse", a free download.

The poem is based on historical accounts of Continental soldiers during the American Revolutionary War. The incident described—firing a ramrod—was actually a common enough occurrence in the heat of battle that it was documented in several military accounts from the period.

 

The Ramrod's Flight

 Amidst the clash of musket fire,

The battle's roar, a soldier's ire,

A misstep made in haste's embrace,

A ramrod flew instead of lead's embrace.

 

With fumbling hands and heart's pounding beat,

He loaded wrong in war's heated feat,

The ramrod slipped, a hapless plight,

Sailing forth instead of bullet's might.

 

A comrade's laugh rang out in jest,

As the slim rod cut through the smoky crest,

A harmless arc, a futile throw,

Aimed true, yet void of battle's woe.

 

The soldier flushed, his pride now torn,

Amidst the fray, a lesson borne,

To load with care, aim true and straight,

Lest ramrods fly instead of lead's hot weight.

 

In annals writ, this tale shall live,

Of ramrods launched, a tale to give,

A glimpse into the human side,

Of those who fought, who bled, who tried.