Shirley Petrandis Poet Ballad

A Civil Soldiers Tale

"Lie still now, soldier", the Union General said,
As he knelt down beside the boy’s bloody, wounded head.
The dying young lad, no more than fifteen, if a day,
Wore the blight of cannon, and being in its way.

The General swallowed hard, to fight back the pressing tears, 
Before he gazed upon his soldier, now less limbs and gear.
"Is it b-bad?" the soldier asked, in a voice filled with fear. 
"Not at all,” the General lied, knowing the boy had not a prayer.

"You’ll soon be headin’ home," he continued in a whisper.
"Back to your mammy and your pappy, and your favorite dog, Kipper."
The soldier forced a smile and then closed his swollen eyes,
"Why Sir, I think I see them! Looks like ma baked me two pies."

The General shuddered knowing, the lad's folks died years ago,
And the dog named Kipper-- killed in an avalanche of snow.
He only knew these things, since he had taken the boy in,
As this dying soldier's father had been the General’s next of kin.

"This bloodshed has to stop" the General groaned and shook his head,
"Did our boys grow up together just to shoot each other dead?"
"Must be something I can do!" he shouted, rising to his feet,
To be silenced by a bullet as it grazed across his cheek.

The soldier took a breath, his head fell back- eyes open wide.
The General took his sword and laid it by the boy’s side.
"Go now, son," he said, "back to those you love,"
"And give them my regards; in fact give your pa a shove."

Sudden, in the distance, he heard another soldier’s cry,
"The South just surrendered as stated by a Union spy!”
The General stood up slowly and brushed off his dusty knees,
Wiped away a single tear, returning to his company.


Copyright 2006/Shirley Petrandis

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Winsome Miller-Rowe February 15, 2018 at 9:16 PM Shirley /even though this alludes to times past, It is fitting for what is happening today. Well said and very emotive. Thanks for sharing. Winsome

Old Buck February 15, 2018 at 3:04 PM Shirley: There is certainly nothing I could add to the comments below except my Thank You for what your poem said. Too many in power seem to lack your insight into the pains of conflict. Thank you for sharing with all of us on the soup and we look forward to many more in the future. oldbuck Shirley Petrandis February 15, 2018 at 9:32 PM Buck, your words mean very much to me. I am honored.

Daniel Hunter February 8, 2018 at 1:44 PM That was a great poem. Your attention to detail and emotion made you feel like you were there. Shirley Petrandis February 15, 2018 at 9:32 PM Thank you so very much, Daniel. I value your thoughts.

Anne-Lise Andresen January 23, 2018 at 1:46 PM Hello Shirley :) - It is a great pleasure to welcome you and thank you for your first contribution here on Poerty Soup - hugs // Sun :)

Silent One January 22, 2018 at 3:30 PM Great first post Shirley, I can see you are an established poet.. Welcome to poetry soup..

Poet Destroyer A January 22, 2018 at 11:07 AM Shirley, A nice warm WELCOME to poetry soup. I hope you have fun with this marvelous community. You'll find many friendly poets who are ready to support and give positive feedback. I TOO am ready to enjoy and follow you and your poetry if you'd like :) We are Lucky To Have you. Enjoy Poetry Soup 2018 :) Your New Poet Friend @-> LINDA <-@