Dear Madam,
I am a soldier, and my speech is rough and plain.
I’m not much used to writing, and I hate to give you pain,
But I promised I would do it, and he thought it might be so
If it came from one that loved him, perhaps it would ease the blow.
By this time, you must surely guess the truth I feign would hide,
And you’ll pardon me for rough soldier words, while I tell you how he died.
It was in the maw of battle. Fast rained the shot and shell.
I was standing close beside him, and I saw him when he fell.
So I took him in my arms, and laid him on the grass.
It was going against orders, but I think they let it pass.
’Twas a minne ball that struck him. It entered at his side.
But we didn’t think it fatal ’til this morning, when he died.
“Last night, I wanted so to live. I seemed so young to go.
Last week I passed my birthday. I was just 19, you know.
When I thought of all I planned to do, it seemed so hard to die.
But now I pray to God for Grace, and all my cares gone by.“
And here his voice grew weaker, as he paused and raised his head.
And whispered, “Goodbye, Mother.“ And your soldier boy was dead.
I carved him out a headboard, as skillful as I could
And if you wish to find it, I can tell you where it stood.
I send you back his hymnbook, the cap he used to wear,
The lock I cut the night before, of his bright, curly hair.
I send you back his bible; The night before he died,
I turned its leaves together, and read it by his side.
I keep the belt he was wearing; He told me so to do.
It has a hole upon the side, just where the ball went through.
So now I’ve done his bidding. I’ve nothing more to tell.
But I shall always mourn with you the boy we loved so well.
18 views
24
2
4 months ago 00:37:20 3
20 BIGGEST Sex Freaks in Hollywood History
4 months ago 00:03:53 1
Jordan Stephens - Big Bad Mood (feat. Miraa May) (Official Music Video)
4 months ago 00:03:04 3
Kylie Minogue - My Oh My (with Bebe Rexha & Tove Lo) (Official Video)
7 months ago 00:01:34 1
Gliese 12 b – exoplanet sized between Earth and Venus
8 months ago 00:03:06 1
Ashnikko - Worms (Official Music Video)
8 months ago 00:10:31 4
Most Influential Actresses by Google Trends
8 months ago 00:04:16 1
Suki Waterhouse - To Love (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
9 months ago 00:24:45 4
My Most Ambitious Sewing Project Yet!! 🎂 Cake Dress Sewing Vlog 💕
10 months ago 00:00:32 1
Phoebe Dynevor - 2024 BAFTAs Red Carpet Arrival
10 months ago 00:04:58 1
Phoebe Dynevor & Sophie Wilde - 2024 BAFTAs Red Carpet Interview
10 months ago 00:06:02 1
Little Simz - Introvert (Official Video)
12 months ago 00:04:52 1
SHOUSE - Love Tonight
1 year ago 00:05:16 32
A CGI 3D Short Film: “BackFire“ - by Will Savage, Emily Hestelow, & Jacob Sadler | TheCGBros
1 year ago 00:14:59 1
AI Generated Drag Race All Stars Storytime with Mama Yu!
1 year ago 00:02:54 18
Daisy Turner. Dear Madam
1 year ago 00:03:36 1
Jeremy Turner - She Keeps Comin’ Around (Official Music Video)
1 year ago 00:03:17 1
Gentlemens Club - Policia (Official Music Video)
2 years ago 00:18:24 29
Неделя в Барселоне / Самый красивый город Европы? Barcelona vlog 2022
2 years ago 00:03:28 5
Gilla Band - Pears for Lunch
2 years ago 00:02:52 36
Give me all of that ultraviolence.
3 years ago 00:15:35 6
Sims 1 but my family is insane
3 years ago 00:02:47 3
Raye Robinson - Daisies (Official Video)
6 years ago 00:03:29 1
Maisie Williams on Her Social App and Friendship with Sophie Turner
6 years ago 00:01:49 5
Софи Тернер («Игра престолов») показывает, как поменять колесо