A Warrior’s Going Home
David Chaltas
4/01/04

In the heat of the battle
As smoke circles the ground.
I hear the cannons rattle
As I see Richmond’s town.

Rebecca’s image haunts me
As minnies fall and spray.
The shots and shells still taunt me
As I hear Becca pray.

On knees bent in submission
Down by the River James.
She begs a sad petition
That death will be retained.

I gaze into her blue eyes:
Another messmate falls.
I shut out his helpless cries
And listen to her calls.

I see her coming to me
With her wide open arms.
A sharpened pain runs through me!
I scream with death’s alarm!

With all this death around me
I miss the life we had.
I feel her love surround me
Making death not so bad.

I hear my Becca calling;
A voice that I hear yet.
I fell my body falling
Upon the bayonet.

Somehow my Becky finds me
And holds me with her tears.
With her smile she reminds me:
All sadness disappears.

I drift into tomorrow
But I am not alone.
Yesterday’s time was borrowed:
A warrior’s going home.