Sunday, July 4, 2010

Today's Bookshelf, July 4th, 2010

"The field was sodden with the blood of man both slain and dying,
And lo it came the bugle blast and messenger a'flying.
Our hearts were low the end was near, the storm began to weep.
The reaper in the shadows lurked and soon began to creep.
On horse's back the lad he yelled 'move on to victory!
And claim thy right! And join thy fight! The land of Liberty!'
The soldiers rough and tired full peeled up from where they lie.
They carried arms with hearts renewed, and lifted words on high.
Tho musket boomed and bayonets, agleaming pikes of death,
Tho man did fall and cry out loud, I could not hold my breath.
'Oh brotherhood of freedom let me hear your voices, ho!'
We charged with all our love of life and sun began to glow.
The ripped and tattered flag of stars and stripes it lapped the wind.
We felt not of the thorns and rocks that tore and pierced our skin,
And met the red-clad army with our freedom on our tongue,
Through smoke and mortal cries emerged victorious as one!"
--Unknown Soldier--