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
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

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Cunningham Avatar
July 27, 2018 at 10:06 AM
Powerful verse Timothy, watched a documentary a few years ago about the civil war by I think ken Burns, people used to take picnics and go and watch, unbelievable. Like you say , brainwashing plays a part but you don't get the brainwashers on the front line.
Mcguire Avatar
July 27, 2018 at 11:20 AM
You are right. Thanks Tom
Gauthier Avatar
July 7, 2018 at 9:14 AM
Wow. A powerful and emotive poem, Timothy.
Mcguire Avatar
July 12, 2018 at 2:32 AM
I cannot imagine the courage and/or brain washing of these young men that allows them to step out and walk towards people shooting at them. Thanks
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