ENLISTED.

by W. A. Kendall.

“You’ve donned the peerless uniform
Of good old Uncle Sam”–
Around my neck her arms she threw,
And to her breast my own she drew–
With tears he fond eyes swam.

“You’re dearer to me than I thought–
Since in this steadfast hue
Your form was draped, its impress takes
A depth such as a hero’s makes–
All hail, my own true blue!

“Prouder am I to see you thus–
Though it preludes good-by–
Than were you crowned perchance a king
Whose name in action ne’er did ring,
Whose soul gives fame the lie.

“Your stature seems to gain in height
From your high motive’s aim;
And to such eminence my heart
Is lifted, I am strong to part–
Oh! to reserve were shame!

“Go, save our country! she is first–
Stand guard until you fall;
Or till the danger overcome
Shall respite the alarum-drum–
I will delay recall.

“Go, where along the lurid front
The Union vanguards tramp!
Do your whole duty, danger spurn,
When Freedom’s laurelled, then return–
These arms shall be your camp!

“As I would ask, so you have done–
‘God shield you!’ is my charm:
Should you survive, redeem this kiss
And should you perish, one will miss
From life its sweetest balm.

“These tears attest the grief I feel–
God’s and my own true blue!
For every one speed thou a shot,
When guietus the foe has got,
Valor for love may sue.”

So spoke my own brave girl, and fled,
Fearing her heart’s dread pain
Would traitor prove unto her will,
And rising with rebellious thrill,
Persuade me to remain.

To die for her were sweeter far
Than loved by less to live;
Such natures wear an aspect grand,
As with an unreserving hand
They answer Duty’s “give!”

O woman! how much patriot fire
Thy breath has woke to flame!
How many heroes were not such
But for thy consecrating touch,
None less than God can name.

This entry was posted on 13. February 2008 at 14:22 and is filed under Recent Entries. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.

| Print