Untitled
Eric J. Swanger
What was the 1st Minnesota Vol.
doing in Pennsylvania?
then, what was anyone doing there
duty
fate
maybe fate
But after the charge on the 2nd
down the hill
the colors falling three times
to be picked up four
the regiment a penisula
alone and crazy with war
hough mostly alone
to fall back on duty
honor
when support
finally reared its
glorious head
But William suffered
first
as a soldier would
but after the charge
alone that night
to half sleep
over cries of comrades'
to live their
bloody gargled last breaths
to the next morning
when he buried his
brother by halves
separated by a shell
and a full measure of devotion
each half facing the enemy
in life
as in death
each half ...
william buried his brother by halves
my God,
by halves
