Classic Poem

The fitful flash of fairy musketry!
So thought I one soft summer night in June,
As in a dell there struck upon mine eye
A firefly fusilade—soundless as a swoon.
The elfin salvos crash'd without a sound.
Sharp shattering the blackness of the night,
Piercing its midnight, as with round on round
The sturdy elves kept up their lusty fight.
The tide of battle ebb'd—then flow'd a-main!
To right and left battalions reel'd in shock,
Charging undaunted to turn loss to gain,
Or meeting heavier numbers firm as rock.
So much may anyone on a summer night
See wi' fireflies—so be the fancy's bright.