Union

Union


My dearest...

As dawn gives rise to ghostly mists
I pray, Oh God, that time desists
and quells the fear within my breast,
through tremored hands, now expressed.

My thoughts turn homeward in these hours,
as I commend, to higher powers,
my safe return to loving arms,
to hearth and home, free of all harms.

Within my heart, your image stays
to give me strength in coming days
and fill my nights with warmth recalled
of moments when our love enthralled.

In days gone by, as brothers fell,
and fire raged, a living hell,
duty called to continue on,
still in this game, I'm but a pawn.

Yet each of us feels in his soul
this Nation must remain a whole
so should I fall, no tears for me.
This Union is my legacy.

Should my end come on this field
in final thoughts, my love revealed
by simple words in pen and ink,
an echo from darkness's brink.

I commend my spirit to the Lord
in certainty, with his accord,
that he will not sever our bond.
We shall embrace once more beyond.

The drummer's cadence calls to me.
I go to meet my destiny.
My heart is filled with love and pride.
Until once more, I'm by your side...

pray, war and hate are once more shunned.
I remain your loyal, loving husband...

Joshua


A contest entry for "Roots & Wings Contest" 
Lines: 36

Too often, history is viewed as a series of dates and events. This was my attempt to place it in the context of the individuals who lived at the time; to capture the feelings of what must have been doubts and fears and - in the end - the faith in the righteousness of what they embarking on. My family immigrated after the Civil War but my wife's family has been here since 1607, one of the original settlers of Jamestown. Many of her ancestors served during the Civil War on both sides.

Thank you for taking time to read my words. I would appreciate it if you took a moment and left a comment. Your reaction, impressions, criticisms, - yes, even praise - are all equally welcome.