Fields Of Antietam

Gentle, the goodnight bids its welcome
of humble spirit and gilded heart
of our hailed heroes fallen upon the field.

This road that takes me home,
driven in principle,
shall not yield to the lamenting soul,
which beckons him rest not
in fields of Antietam.

Honor him, who does fall
upon the crimson soil
lost in this sea of wickedness.
Shall you not partake of
the sacrificial kiss with me?

Break your bread
you honored few
who are about to die.
I salute you.

Follow me this fated morn!
The hallowed day is upon us.

Drink of my blood
that it may lay sweet
upon your courageous tongue.
“This do in remembrance of me.”

I am of the lamb,
sacrificed upon the cross,
for all free men.
With Him do I ever stand,
forever falling upon this land torn.

Lamenting spirit,
troubled youth,
fear not the cannon-fire
raining death upon this desperate field.

Rise free brethren!
Thrust the sword of Gideon
upon the breast of despondence.

Brandish honor with head held high
upon the Reaper’s field,
resting not to the opulent mass of decadence
stretched before you.
Nay, the night forays its sleepy shadow
over your fragile soul.

So the body falls.
Does not your spirit rise
to walk the peaceful road home?

Does not tranquility
abode upon the cobble there
comforting your weary walk
upon hero’s foot?

Rise!
Defend!
Split the night with iron will
and battle-clad hoof.

In him do we ever endeavor
to free all men in this sovereign union.
Steady the thunder,
clap of the hoof,
and unkempt boot
marching into history
this very night,
and upon this very field
rich with the cry of free men
resolved in sovereignty
at the end of the bayonet.

This is the way,
the life,
freedom’s light.

Cast the hues of blues,
of grays,
and of crimson tides
upon this day’s canvas.

Antietam, our bodies lie.
Sacrificed upon your magnificent field.
So that free men may live
the lives we gave away.

Even so,
as heroes of the day,
we echo through eternity
upon this sovereign wind,
“Fields of Antietam,
we the dead salute you!”

Copyright, Kevin V. Reese, 2005

Amen sir, wonderful. I take great pride in being raised within a military family for 20 of my 26 years. My father was in the military and my younger sister serves now. Your poems hit me where my heart breathes, with military and my love for this great nation. I spent three years overseas and literally kissed the ground upon our return here. It is amazing being part of this America. We are all so blessed.

Nikki

Yep, in the unforgettable words of Hank Williams, Jr., "Yeah we've got our problems. Lord knows we've got a few, but you don't see those refugees heading the other way."

You'll see my brief history in the book but I did spend 8 years in the Marine Corps. Spent some time overseas. I think everyone should spend some time out of the country. make them appreciate this place a bit more. Tell your family thank you for me. There gift of service does not fall on cold hearts.

I'm glad you like the poem. Among other things I am passionate about The Civil War and history in general. I have a few poems spanning the Revolution, Civil War, WWII, Vietnam, and recent conflicts. Mostly tributes, so to speak, I suppose. you'll see them in the book. Let me know how you like them, will you?

Semper Fi,

Kevin

Kevin,

Of course I will let you know. If what I have read here is any indication, I will love each any every one. You have not disappointed me with your words ever. If I may I would like to share a story of how my father got into his military service. When my mother and father were married my mom joined the Air Force and said to my father "If you want to stay near me you better join too." He did and they went to basic training. My mother had almost completed when she started not to feel so well ie, she was pregnant with yours truly. She was then discharged out of the military. That is how they handled it then. My father remained loyal to his duty and stayed in for 20 years. I feel very fortunate. We lived in California(where I was born), Mississippi, Hawaii(where my brother and sister were born), Alaska(where my heart lives, beautiful), Maryland, Wisconsin(where I currently reside), and England is where he finished up. I have so many stories and was able to meet some wonderful people. How many people can say that?

Nikki

I can. I lived it too. Except I wore the stripes. I was a Sergeant when I left. Stationed in California, North Carolina, Okinawa - Japan, then back in California. Great memories, great pictures, great friends, a lot of beer, a couple of tattoos, and later...met a Navy girl that I fell in love with and married. She outranked me...cool. Make sure you tell your family thank you for me...sincerely.

In His grip,

Big K

I meant beside you and I. It is great isn't it? Nice to know you found love down that path too, bonus. I will tell them of your thanks as well.

Nikki

wow... i have no words... but be assured it is an awestruck silence.

misty..