Civil War Love Letter

A soldier, Sullivan Ballou, was slain

in battle at Manassas. Hissing white

incinerating skies, like fiery rain,

descended on the troops, who fought despite

the stench of death around them, senses numbed

by crashing cannons, screams, and bursting shells,

and minds convulsed by soulmates who succumbed

to flaming brush amidst the rebel yells.

 

Ballou had written to his wife: "My dear,

my loving Sarah, when at last my breath

departs my body on the battleground,

the hickory and cedar trees shall hear

your whispered name. But even with my death

our timeless love and passion shall abound."