A Battle (poem) by Jon Michael Willey on AuthorsDen

A Battle
by Jon Michael Willey → (All Poetry by Jon Michael Willey)
Rated "G" by the Author.

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America's first civil war.
No roar from the cannons is heard Muskets have ceased their rattle The cacophony of battle's language Relenting to somber repose Munitions all spent Their mission to wage war completed Brave men, soldiers all Strewn in horrendous disarray Upon this field of furious engagement Their final agony fixed upon their twisted faces In death's grip lie Their lives depleted To none will new breath be meted out What prize led them to this place Where destiny's grip awaited Freedom's voice, the sacred rights of men everywhere Demanded response Bloody conflicts ensued To oppression's dastardly refrain To secure certain inalienable rights Row upon valiant row in open display Humanity on caissons in processions too long Clothed in uniforms of blue or gray Fathers, sons and brothers, future duties unfulfilled Glory found in this now hallowed ground Historie's laments unable to contemplate Why for so many, it was so late Fredericksburg, you, that were Hell sent

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Reviewed on April 27, 2008

It was a hell of a time. My great great grandfather, Nelson Hull set out for war from Wisconsin south. Fortunately, he was a blacksmith and survived, along with all of his brothers.

Ron

Reviewed by Lavendar Jazz

Reviewed on April 26, 2008

Well-written, I agree with ET Waldron... we need to find options to war. War is never beautiful.

Reviewed by Regis Auffray

Reviewed on April 25, 2008

Yes. And so many more battlefields are brought to mind by your words, Jon. How sad it is that we have not evolved in this area and that it is destroying our world. Thank you. Love and peace to you,

Regis

Reviewed by Randall Barfield

Reviewed on April 23, 2008

"What prize led them to this place" is hitting it close. "Hell sent" at the end is an accuracy! But, every war is hell sent I suppose. Really flavorful e.g. authentic atmosphere in your choice of words.

Reviewed by Janice Beaty Hamilton

Very well penned, my friend; I enjoyed reading... so sad that we humans, with such astute technological intelligence, cannot find a better way to quell disagreements... at the end of the day, so many brave souls lost... Blessings, Janice

Reviewed by Jackie (Micke) Jinks

A most honorable, descriptive poem, Jon! You brought us to the very depths of the 7 Day Battle, the heartbreaks of Fredericksburg, with compassion. "O, I look at thee with confussion, you brothers and sons co-mingled in colors of Blue and Grey; you fathers and husbands of bravery, I cover you with pride." (not anyone's quote, just my thoughts). A trememdously poetic take on our history past...well done, friend...well done.
Blessings and Appreciation ~~ Micke

Reviewed by Christine Alwin

words that pierce right through me,, Excellent Jon,,

Reviewed by E T Waldron

Reviewed on April 22, 2008

Superbly written! What gets to me Jon is why in all these years has humanity learned nothing when it comes to war. We are always engaged in one,yet we have brilliant inventors of incredible technology,but no one puts their mind on how to govern without wars. Tis a puzzlement!

Love,
ET

Reviewed by Ron (sketchman) Axelson (Reader)

I agree with Deborah.
It's always worth it to stop at your place here.
Ron

Reviewed by Karen Palumbo

Amazing how hard we fought for freedom's sake and how much so many willingly gave up. Makes me wonder if we would ever have the fortitude to fight so hard and give up so much as willingly....

Be always safe,
Karen

Reviewed by Deborah Munson (Reader)

A well thought provoking tribute to those that lost their lives that day. We should never take for granted our Liberties. Well Done, Deborah