Ballads

In this lively verse, a seasoned French drummer spins a sweeping family saga, tracing his lineage from the battlefields of Europe to the distant shores of North America. Through witty, rhymed recollections, he recalls the exploits of forebears who marched under kings, sounded drums at famous engagements, and endured the fickle fortunes of war. The narrator’s own childhood memories of tavern storytelling and the clatter of drums provide a vivid backdrop for a world where music and conflict intertwine.

The poem balances humor with a touch of melancholy, as the drummer reflects on the loss of loved ones and the shifting tides of history. Listeners are drawn into the bustling camps, the clamor of marching troops, and the intimate moments of a mother waiting at a citadel gate. The work’s rhythmic cadence and rich historical detail make it a captivating entry point into the age‑old tradition of oral storytelling.