The Tin Drummer

I waddled right into the open closet and peeked into a low woven basket! Nestled beneath a folded wool blanket sat an old tin toy soldier with chipped green paint and quiet, gentle eyes. Right on its hip stuck a flat brass wind-up key! I gripped the key with both paws and gave a hearty twist. Ck-ck-creeeak! The spring wound tight with a raspy rattle. I hopped back, and buzz-clack! Its little metal arms whirred into motion, tapping tiny tin drumsticks against its drum in a furious, clattering beat! I bounced in place, patting my tummy to the march. What a splendid old musician!