The Blue and the Grey

Under the canopy of the pine trees we lay My brothers and I, and our mates the other three, They wore a different uniform the colour grey Yet here in purgatory a smile from them being free Oh to remember how we all played at the creek Although their parents with different points of view, The six of us born within sight of ‘Clinch mountain peak’ Our lot raised to suit the uniform of blue. We faced each other on the battlefield of ‘Bull Run’ Ne’er a smile of recognition as the rifles reflect, This is realism in a war of detriment with a gun Following advice from those in power we respect. Cannot speak for the others but the bullet caused me pain Far worse than the wounds with wooden swords when fought, At least first to go didn’t witness how each were slain Nor with vigour their efforts from the way we were taught. So here we are all standing before our beloved God Waiting to enter heaven having shouldered the blame, We’ve played our earthly role and carried opinions hod Never the time to become adult when playing their game. Thank you Eve Roper for contest and inspirational first line. Entered Mark Toney's sponsored 2022 poetry marathon mile 8 contest poem written 2020 17/7/2022