War

LEWIS MILES, 1861

 

The Confederate army

calls us to fight

for the South

against the Union army

from the North.

Tears flow.

“Our sons are but boys,”

my wife says,

reaching up

to kiss their cheeks

as they leave

to join the troops.

Milton,

John,

Francis—

may the Lord be with you

and keep you safe.

 

Our boys are eager

to go to war.

They will fight hard

for the South,

for a victory

swift and sure.

Deep in their hearts

they know

that if this war

is lost,

the slaves will be freed,

and the life

they have now

will be gone.