Fort Sumter

April 12, 1861 the cannons could

be heard for miles around,

the war had started,that

led both sides to a long

and hard struggle.

Why was this site

chosen to start the fight,

it may have been that

this fort was not prepared

for a battle of any kind,

a shortage of cannons,

and other weapons,

hardlyl gave them any

chance to defend the fort

Abe Lincoln later in

his most famous speech,

said A Nation divided cannot stand,

which is a true statement.


The Civil War was to become

the bloodiest war in our history,

before the firing

on Fort Sumter

it was an unknown place

to most of the  people,

now it stands out

as a major landmark

in our country.


wrote 4-12-11
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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12
Aul Avatar
April 19, 2011 at 10:18 AM
I like the piece you wrote...I like Civil War history..........George
Fraser Avatar
April 18, 2011 at 11:22 AM
Even this Highlander has heard of Fort Sumter, mind you, this Highlander also likes to write about History. I too have written about the American Civil War. Like all wars, they are sad and heartfelt to write about. Terrific poem James. Thank you for your always kind words on my poems....:) smiles
Mister Roboto Avatar
April 17, 2011 at 9:35 PM
Nothing like wandering the Battery down at old CHuck-town. I live in S.C., and am very familiar with Sullivan Island. I have written a few poems about Charleston (need to dig 'em up and dust 'em off) This is a vivid look indeed! NICE! Thank you very much for all the support on my writing. The "Roll Call" was a stretch, but my wife loves it when I read it to her (and my 8 yr. old). It's much better read aloud! Keep puttin' em down on paper brother! ~JSLambert
Alpestris Avatar
April 16, 2011 at 9:32 AM
This is a great way to commemorate such an important event that changed history. And yes, people do forget, so reminders like these are truly appreciated. Thank you for your wonderful comments on my tanka.
Babcock Avatar
April 14, 2011 at 1:31 PM
War is always a tragedy . Enjoyed this write and learned a bit of history on the civil war. God Bless Phyl
Johnson Avatar
April 14, 2011 at 10:47 AM
Thank you for commenting on my blog James. it led me to your poetry. My son was a Civil War buff and interested in the details of the Civil War. My grandpa was a Union soldier. He was a calvaryman. He died long before I was born so I never knew him. Terrible that our wonderful country was once so divided. I will be reading more of you. Love, Joyce
Knop Avatar
April 14, 2011 at 8:51 AM
Thank you James for this informative lesson! A civil war is always a tragedy. So it is always good to remember!...Gert:)
Mehta Avatar
April 14, 2011 at 3:33 AM
Nice poetic flow. Thanks James for encouraging comment on my work "seeing way in others eye". Luv & best wishes - Hitendra Mehta
Sweetheart Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 8:30 PM
thankxx James for your stirring comments on my One Soldier's Reflection for the new contest.. appreciate my friend..
Onclaud Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 6:55 PM
enjoyed the tonality and flow of this piece with powerful historical touches, james... you must be proud of this one; i am! :) huggs, nette
Devonshire Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 4:45 PM
Hi James, the contest sponsor asked that we call our poems "Sunlight." You're right, though. All the ones I have seen are wonderful and judging may be as tough as it was for the Legends contest. Love, Carolyn
Austin Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 2:22 PM
Yes! And I suppose the same goes for Bull Run. Good history lesson. Love, Dave
Maverick Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 1:22 PM
Great informative write here James, enjoyed the read!
Kapoor Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 11:31 AM
Brilliant piece of writing with so much of precious information. I adore the wording of this great man Mr. A. Lincoln "A Nation divided cannot stand.” In this lies the secret of nation's strength and prosperity. And thank you for your kind and precious comments on my Poem 'A New Hope shown by Anna Hazare in India'. It was a pleasure to read your Poem today. Love and best wishes...Ravindra....James Foulk
Cooper Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 8:36 AM
great write, and very imformitive. thank you for your comment on my poem.
Horne Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 8:05 AM
Fascinating and informative piece, James. Being English, this was all new to me
Loving Iii Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 5:50 AM
the symbolism of northern presence vs. the symbolisim of southern pride. a nation divided that did not stand. john
Culverhouse Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 4:28 AM
enjoyed reading your work....we have been there many times. My son loves to go there.
Campi Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 3:00 AM
THanks for your comment on my work. A touch of history in your poem here. Well written and very nicely done, Jancarl
Poet Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 12:51 AM
A precious poem written on history.Enjoyed.Thanks for your inspiring words at many of my pages---kashinath
Dietrich Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 12:12 AM
A most interesting landmark in our history it is! It's so nice to have you at Soup!
Delacroix Avatar
April 12, 2011 at 9:23 PM
Great narrative of a historical event! Thanks for sharing and thank you for your comment on my latest. Caroline.
Mehta Avatar
April 12, 2011 at 5:19 PM
Very realistic tale of the civil wars, James
Sweetheart Avatar
April 12, 2011 at 4:33 PM
thankxx James for all your sweet comments on my poetry luv.. much appreciated ...
Devonshire Avatar
April 12, 2011 at 4:09 PM
James, the Civil War pitted brother against brother in some cases and was one of the saddest periods of American history. I have no idea why the first battle occurred at Fort Sumter, but I do agree with Lincoln's words. Excellent poem! Love, Carolyn
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