The Poor Old Cannon

    Up broke the sun
    In red-gold foam;
    Thus spoke the gun
    At the Soldier's Home:

    "Whenever I hear
    Blue thunder speak
    My voice sounds clear
    But little and weak.

    "And when the proud
    Young cockerels crow
    My voice sounds loud,
    But gentle and low.

    "When the mocking-bird
    Prolongs his note
    I cannot be heard
    Though I split my throat."

        Elinor Wylie