I still hear the cannon fire, if only in my mind.
Can’t remember why we fought, no peace am I to find.
A bugles blare at mornings rise, brought us to our feet.
The day had come across the field, the enemy we did meet.
And faces young, too young to send into the deadly fray.
Clocks ran still, and bells won’t chime, The children will not play.
With orders barked as the sun did show, burning in our eyes.
Lines we formed and began our march as the cardnial softly cries.
And sulphur hung in the breeze, leading us to death.
The reapers touch just out of reach,
As we count our final breaths.
Our line was ridged as we moved, the battle hymn was sung.
As thunder bellowed all around, on our shoulders arms we slung.
The drums went silent as Captain’s roared for all of us to halt.
The grazing steel against my skin, the wound was full of salt.
There we stood on this broken field, awaiting the final call.
Arms made ready as the enemy fired, and men began to fall.
A taste of blood in my mouth, our rifles brought to bear.
Flesh and bones could not bar, thru them rounds did tear.
Was not the time, but reflection came as gore and soil mixed.
A rallying cry, the time to charge, as bayonets were fixed.
Seconds pass and soon I glanced, the soldier I would kill.
Wounded he had lost his way, no emotion left to feel.
But lighting struck and hammers slammed, the cannon had it’s way.
I felt the grass on my face, as darkness came to stay.
I awoke days later in a fever dream, my body was not whole.
My life was saved, my mind intact, my leg the battle stole.
I imagined much on my journey home, would love still come to me.
Or would it turn and run away, at the wounds that it would see.
But by God’s mercy she pulled me close, as I threw away the war.
A simpler life for me and her, and to battle never more.
At night I tremble in my sleep, my hand she’s sure to find.
For I still hear the cannon fire, if only in my mind.
General