English poem
A Military Incident
by Ambrose Bierce (1842–1914)
Dawn heralded the coming sun-- Fort Douglas was computing The minutes--and the sunrise gun Was manned for his saluting.
The gunner at that firearm stood, The which he slowly loaded, When, bang!--I know not how it could, But sure the charge exploded!
Yes, to that veteran's surprise The gun went off sublimely, And both his busy arms likewise Went off with it, untimely.
Then said that gunner to his mate (He was from Ballyshannon): "Bedad, the sun's a minute late, Accardin' to this cannon!"