by Charity Chapman

Above the grief stricken land,
as dawn signals the arrival of another day,
silence is shattered by a powerful Rebel cannonade.

"Soon, my sweet Sally, all will know my name,
He exclaims, holding his bride's photo tenderly,
"..and I'll return to your warm embrace, joyfully."

He rides past nervous soldiers in waiting,
easing the sweet reminder into the safety of his pocket,
then sees their eyes trembling nervously in their sockets.

The adrenaline rushes through his veins,
an excited fire in his eyes, as his voice rings aloud,
"...rise up, old Virginia, go forward, steadfast and proud!"