A SOLDIER
by Elizabeth Miller
CLOSE HIS EYES,
AND KISS HIM,
THIS TALL, YOUNG MAN IN GRAY;
HE KEPT OUR FLAG FROM FALLING
IN HARD-FOUGHT BATTLE
ALL DAY.
CANNON ROARED,
AND SABRES FLASHED.
HE FELL TWICE, YET, ONCE AGAIN
HE HELD THAT STARRY BANNER ALOFT
TO CHEER, AND COMFORT THE MEN.
SO KISS HIM,
BUT DO IT GENTLY
AS YOU WIPE THE BLOOD AWAY;
HE HEARS THE SONG
OF ANGELS,
THIS TALL, YOUNG MAN IN GRAY.