This Poem was Submitted By: Ronda Michelle Nelson On Date: 2002-08-11 15:13:12 . . . Click Here To Mail this Poem to a Friend!

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Veteran's Tale

Weathered in spirit by war and age his  veteran's tale, solemn told for those whose hearts he could engage a journey for open ears to unfold "Courage is the heart that survives fear" Escaped his lips, with brows hung low In  fear's shadow my heart drew near walking it's illusive path, long ago Hands trembling he cocks a ghost's gun in demonstration of his youthful self "over the hill they came with the Reaper's run" he whispers with fear's breath felt Confederate gray stood solid, the ground a fortress not yielding to defeat muzzles loaded for a final round to send the blue, for their maker, to meet. Caught in fear's wrath felt my body struggled to follow the heart The mind screamed, save yourself! the internal battle, was the first to start Knee's weakened in thought of fate eyes a'mist I struggled for reason as seconds seemed an eternal wait In hell's cast of a merciless season The trigger my finger clinched tight ready for the entrance of it's victim a brother whose eyes were full of fright succumbed to it's melody requiem Old and gray now, I still see the look upon his face so clear as he met his fate because of me in a time my mind keeps so near So it is, I walk my days never to let go the birth of a war Where the heart stood strong for a man's way the boy strewn aside, forever more

Copyright © August 2002 Ronda Michelle Nelson

Additional Notes:
There is what was once a Confederate veteran's home not far from my house. It is now a memorial park. I have often wondered upon visiting it, what stories the men must have shared with one another. This is my humble attempt to re-create a vision.


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