I’ve been distracted. The release of my first book, well documented on this blog, has kept me busy. Now, I’m back. It’s time to continue work on my second effort – I am Lieutenant: the Journals of Arthur Kendall Everly. It tells the story of a Northern teacher, against the war, who joins the Union effort despite his anti-war sentiments. Here’s the first poem in the book. It’s been featured on this blog before.
19th Century School House
This is the Place
April 1, 1861
Here, beneath these trees –
oak and ash – shadows lay
like blankets spread
for a community of picnics.
I feast on a moment’s song:
breezes, still laced
with March’s chill, weave
as ribbons about these limbs,
Giggling children dart
behind stalwart trunks
hiding from each other and me –
children teasing me, their teacher,
as I walked to school.
But this spring rumbles.
Men who drape themselves
in the dark robes of politics
brandish words as warriors
brandish swords –
and I am afraid.
Beautiful. “I fears on a moments song; breezes……weave as ribbons about these limbs….”. So simple but so moving. Makea me ache for those breezes.
Thanks, Mrs. Summers!!! ; ) Love ya.
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Just read the first poem on your blog. Although i’m not a fan of poems, I’m already interested in it!
Great, Chris. And thanks.