Public-domain source text

The Veteran

by Ambrose Bierce

From Standard Ebooks · standardebooks/ambrose-bierce_poetry

John Jackson, once a soldier bold, Hath still a martial feeling; So, when he sees a foe, behold! He charges him⁠—with stealing.
He cares not how much ground to-day He gives for men to doubt him; He’s used to giving ground, they say, Who lately fought with⁠—out him.
When, for the battle to be won, His gallantry was needed, They say each time a loaded gun Went off⁠—so, likewise, he did.
And when discharged (for war’s a sport So hot he had to leave it) He made a very loud report, But no one did believe it.

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