Robert L. Hinshaw Poet Rhyme

Jenny, I'Ll Be Home To Tend the Crops This Fall

Private Joshua Bronson wrote this letter by the camp fire where he lay,
Nigh a place called Gettysburg where a great battle loomed next day.
He'd bid farewell to Jenny and his children at their humble cabin door,
Nearly two years ago to join his regiment to do battle in the Civil War.

"My dear Jenny", he wrote, "How I miss you and the children tonight.
My sarjint is a-gittin' us ready to face Johnny Reb fer another fight.
I jes wanted to write a few lines to let you know I love ya'all,
And that I'll be alright and be home to tend the crops this fall."

I'm a-thankin' ye fer the pies and chicken you sent the other day.
That shore beats the hardtack and rancid bacon which is our mainstay.
Jenny, I don't want you and the children a-worrin' about me a-tall.
Jes pray fer me 'cause I'm a-fixin' to be home to tend the crops this fall."

"I jes want you to know I read my Bible, 'specially the Twenty-third Psalm.
It rests my weary soul and when things git rough it gives me calm.
I hope the wheat and corn is gittin' lots of rain and is a-growin' tall.
How I look forward to comin' home to tend the crops this fall."

"I reckon I'll git some rest 'cause I hear rebel cannons a-startin' to roar.
My love to you and the children 'til we next embrace at our cabin door."
Sadly, the Scythe of Death reaped Private Bronson in that awful brawl.
Alas, he won't be coming home to tend the crops this fall.

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired

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Poet Destroyer A January 20, 2016 at 12:13 PM a deep write Robert, much respect -*Luv Linda* Robert L. Hinshaw January 20, 2016 at 5:39 PM Thank you, Linda. I cherish your comments - bob h

Lindsay Laurie January 18, 2016 at 6:31 PM Hello Bob ... a very sad reminder on the futility of war and the profound loss that it brings to families - a great poem Bob - Lindsay

Keith Bickerstaffe January 18, 2016 at 10:48 AM A heartbreaking story of love and loss... many splendid phrases and some vibrant imagery. I love your attempt at Civil War vernacular! Best wishes, Keith

Barbara Gorelick January 17, 2016 at 4:18 PM Oh You! Just keep turning out these gems. I just finished a novel about the civil war and it was one of the saddest books I've ever read. I love this poem. And thank you for your recent kind and lovely words. BG

Howard Tunick January 16, 2016 at 10:28 PM Well written story Bob. The story of war.

Kim Merryman January 16, 2016 at 10:18 PM Bob, I enjoyed reading your story, though I hate it had to end so tragically. But that's the way it is in war. Great write! Love, Kim

Ilene Bauer January 16, 2016 at 8:55 PM as soon as i read the title, i had a feeling that whoever it was about wasn't going to be making it home. you've done a wonderful job of bringing him to life, bob, and i still felt sad when i got to the ending...