Phantoms of Gettysburg

Fields that echoed with the muskets' rattle;
Blood of Yanks and Rebs spilt in dire battle;
Now serene with murmurs of restless ghosts,
Of men who died among the frenzied hosts!

Are those the sighs of souls heard with each breeze,
As winds stir dancing leaves of ancient trees?
Do winter winds shrieking 'bout Round Top Hill,
Recall screams of men, their fate to fulfill?

Heard are moans of dying men, laurels won,
Or is it groans of pine boles 'neath sere sun?
Lincoln's speech yet echoes to honor they,
No matter the hue of cloth worn that day!

   Should phantoms yet ask if they died in vain?
   "Nay!  Nay!  Due to you this land rose again!"

Entry for Mark Massey's "War Sonnet" Contest
(6 January 2019)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
January 20, 2019 at 3:27 PM
awesome, Robert. That Civil war was SOME war!!
Cozart Avatar
January 20, 2019 at 11:10 AM
This is really beautiful, Robert. Congrats.
Hinshaw Avatar
January 20, 2019 at 3:53 PM
Thank you Dale. Best wishes as you continue your poetical journey - Bob H
Roper Avatar
January 19, 2019 at 11:05 AM
Robert, a great descriptive and well written poem that arouses strong emotions. Congratulations on your win!:). Hugs Eve ~`*
Hinshaw Avatar
January 19, 2019 at 11:31 AM
Thank you so much for your comments Eve, and also for your continued support and encouragement. Best to you, Bob
Devonshire Avatar
January 19, 2019 at 9:27 AM
There is nothing like a war sonnet from someone who has served in the military, Bob. The Civil War claimed more American lives than any other, I'm told. Big congrats on your win in the war sonnet contest! Love, Carolyn
Laurie Avatar
January 10, 2019 at 4:50 PM
G'day Robert … you have been busy this year. Great to see. A well written sonnet that truly hits the heart thinking of all those young'uns who perished - thanks once again Robert - Lindsay
Wolf Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 6:38 PM
Stirring! Truly inspired and inspirational. G.L. in the contest. ~ Gershon
Messina Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 8:07 AM
This is so well done, Robert. Best wishes for a win dear friend. Charlie
Hinshaw Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 5:48 PM
Thank you, Charlie. I had to do a lot of condensing it from the original to fit the sponsor's requirements but am pretty happy the way it turned out. God bless always - Bob
Vaso Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 4:09 AM
Robert this is an amazing sonnet, you took us back in time here!
Hinshaw Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 5:49 PM
Tlhank you, Arthur, for your gracious comment and contiued support and encouragement -Bob
Smith Avatar
January 6, 2019 at 7:53 PM
Great entry Robert, best wishes...
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