The Dead Drummer

 I 

They throw in Drummer Hodge, to rest 
 Uncoffined--just as found: 
His landmark is a kopje-crest 
 That breaks the veldt around; 
And foreign constellations west 
 Each night above his mound. 

II 

Young Hodge the Drummer never knew - 
 Fresh from his Wessex home - 
The meaning of the broad Karoo, 
 The Bush, the dusty loam, 
And why uprose to nightly view 
 Strange stars amid the gloam. 

III 

Yet portion of that unknown plain 
 Will Hodge for ever be; 
His homely Northern breast and brain 
 Grow up a Southern tree. 
And strange-eyed constellations reign 
 His stars eternally.

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