Blue and the Gray

The general has ordered us to charge again, We must take that hill to win. I ordered the men back on their feet, Charge that hill, there will be no retreat. Many soldiers lie dead by our side, Into Blue Belly fire nowhere to hide. This is the third charge up this hill, We must reach the Blues we have to kill. Cannon ball, grape shot and musket ball, Caused many a young boy to wither and fall. Flags fly, horses cry and bugles blow, As over the wall into the breach we go. Rifle butts, bayonets and sabers we face, Gray die with Blue with no disgrace. Routed those Blue Belly they’ve run away, Pickett’s 1st. Virginia has taken the day. Southern mothers and northern wailed and cried, As their precious sons fell and died. Because powerful men wish to own a slave, In this land of the free and the home of the brave. Young men with bright clear eyes, Honor bound shout battle cries. Has their sacrifice made any sense? Time will tell it made no difference. 2019 Poetry Marathon Mile 20 Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Mark Toney 2/21/19