| The Littlest Soldier |  |
| Nine year old Johnny Clem who stood just four feet tall,
Ran away from Ohio to answer his country’s call.
He joined up with the Union and became a drummer boy,
Soon to prove the gun he wore was far more than a toy.
Armed with a sawed-off musket, cut down to just fit him,
He shot a Rebel horseman who tried to do him in.
Awarded his sergeant’s stripes and the silver medal,
His comrades offered him hot coffee from their kettle.
The newspapers of the North, gladly published his story,
Telling of the nine year old who earned his country’s glory. | By Tom Zart
Copyright 2003
Listed May 9, 2007
Tom Zart's site |
It is illegal to use this poem without the author's permission.
~~ Send your comments and/or use permission request to Tom. ~~ |
