Ere Come the Dawn

All are feeling anxious on the old camp ground this night. Weary Yanks are girding for tomorrow's awful fight. Young soldiers loll about, staring blankly into slowly dying embers, Dreaming of home, recalling happier times that each remembers. Supper is finished, the usual rancid coffee, hardtack and beans. The sentries call out, "All Is Well!", one of their hourly routines. Sergeants huddle with comrades, offering solace to their platoon. From across the way is heard a harmonica's melancholy tune. From afar, Rebel cannon is heard, a portent of things to come. Men in gray are readied for battle to the beat of muffled drum. The ebon sky is aglow with the cannons' awesome display, Competing with the moon, overshadowing its mellow ray. Here and there a Bible is opened to the Twenty-third Psalm, To once again be comforted by that eternal message of calm. Pensive eyes that on the 'morrow may be forever sealed, Gaze upward, imploring God's embrace as their guardian shield. Hastily penned notes read, "If I should be borne to heaven above, Know that we will be reunited in The Father's gracious love!" Gallant men draw upon their innate will, apprehensions to allay. The dulcet strains of "Taps" lowers the curtain on another day. Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)