The Drum by Eugene Field (1898)
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a lost time. It describes a drum that has been silenced, but still evokes memories of past battles and celebrations. The speaker yearns for the drum's sound, which symbolizes a connection to their heritage and cultural identity.
By Eugene Field · First published 1898 · Genre: Children's Literature, Poetry, Adventure · 423 words
First lines
I'm a beautiful red, red drum, And I train with the soldier boys; As up the street we come, Wonderful is our noise! There's Tom, and Jim, and Phil, And Dick, and Nat, and Fred, While Widow Cutler's Bill And I march on ahead, With a r-r-rat-tat-tat And a tum-titty-um-tum-tum -- Oh, there's bushels of fun in that For boys with a little red drum!
The Injuns came last night While the soldiers were abed, And they gobbled a Chinese kite And off to the woods they fled! The woods are the cherry-trees Down in the orchard lot, And the soldiers are marching to seize The booty the Injuns got. With tum-titty-um-tum-tum, And r-r-rat-tat-tat, When soldiers marching come Injuns had better scat!
What this Textopian page supports
The Drum is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1898 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Poetry, Adventure, Humor, Historical Fiction
- Length: 423 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Drum by Eugene Field
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Drum?
- How does this poem by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The poem is written in a playful and imaginative style, appealing to a young audience with themes of play and adventure.
- Poetry — The work is structured as a poem, utilizing rhythm and rhyme to convey its themes and emotions.
- Adventure — The narrative involves a playful adventure with soldiers and Indians, capturing the spirit of childhood exploration and imagination.
- Humor — The light-hearted tone and playful scenarios create a humorous atmosphere, particularly in the portrayal of the 'Injun' characters.
Tags
Children's literature · Poetry · American poetry · Humorous · Whimsical · Imagination · Fantasy · Adventure · Youthful · Innocence · Playfulness · Nostalgia