Please Don't Tell Aunt Martha

A Civil War poem

I did my best, oh mother dear, the cruel war to survive

knowin’ that you’d need your son, since papa up’t and died

I thought we’d run them Yankees back, right north into Missouri

it’d only take a week or two; no need was there for worry

Two thousand strong, we left Fort Smith, marching toward Cane Hill

and that is where we found Blunt’s men and blood began to spill

It wasn’t like I thought it’d be, I’m very sad to say

cause somethin' happens to your soul when murder has its way

Killin’ ain’t a natural thing that good folks ought to do

and that is why my finger froze when I seen cousin Hugh

I know he never saw my face, but just a suit of grey

so please don't tell Aunt Martha who put me in my grave

Author's Note

Inspired by the Battle of Cain Hill, fought on November 28, 1862 near Fayetteville, Arkansas. I can't confirm that he was present at the battle, but my great-grandfather, Richard Dickens, was assigned to one of the units.

Reviews

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Civil War-an oxymoron...Family against family, tainting the earth with spillage of innocent blood...your dramatic and well-written poem so poignantly drives this home in the gentle, innocent words of a young boy and his tragic death by the hand of a cousin. Your great-grandfather (amazing picture) must have seen so much devastation. Excellent use of historical facts, colloquial language of the period, beautiful form, flow, cadence, imagery and rhyme. Took my breath away Sam. Kudos for this important and touching memorial.

[Samuel Dickens]

Thank you, Annette. I wish we could learn from our mistakes.

[angel]

Really? Little Dickie Dickens? Precious.
Sad poem, though. Thank you for sharing it, Sam.
I like Civil War stories; I've read the NORTH AND SOUTH trilogy several times.

[Samuel Dickens]

Thanks. Until my generation, Richard was a common family name. The last was one of Dad's brothers.

[augustus]

The reality of Civil War is tragic. Your poem is sad and to the point. Thank you

[Samuel Dickens]

Thank you. Brother against brother--what horror and wrong.

[Neville]

A compelling read from one end to the other, which provides a stark reminder that wherever there is conflict, there will be casualties. A sensitively composed, hard hitting poem that is worth re-visiting from time to time. Oh' and for what it's worth, in my opinion, worthy of each of the 42 reviews already pinned to it....N

[Samuel Dickens]

Thank you, Neville. Why some are eager for war, I'll never know.

[Neville]

Nowt so queer as folk eh? All Good Things Samuel, Neville

[barleygirl]

I found one I haven't read yet! It's always worth a stroll thru your older poetry pieces! *wink! wink!* I love the way you've presented the core humanistic issue of the civil war, as far as the proverbial "brother fighting brother" thing . . . which you've SHOWN instead of telling. I love the way this starts out as a civil war scenario, but then it transforms into a social statement about war . . . with which I sooo agree. Your word-crafting & rhymes are well done as always! (((HUGS)))

[Samuel Dickens]

Thank you. You make me think this might be one of my more successful poems.

[barleygirl]

I'm amazed you haven't done poetry in awhile becuz you're very good at it! *smile*

[Valentine]

The ending of this gave me the chills. I lived in Batesville, Ark for 25 years. Love the Ozarks and the better weather down that way. Valentine

[Samuel Dickens]

Thank you, Valentine. I was born in Booneville, lived there with my dad until age 14, then stayed with mother and stepdad in Waldron. The big world shown to me later by the Navy was quite a shock.

[Cryingkate]

This is Awesome Sam !
Esp. after finding these treasures from your photo pages. I found the family tree.
I've been doing it since 1999 too.
Awesome !

[Samuel Dickens]

Thank you. Indeed, treasures may be found in our family histories.

[Willard Wells]

Many brothers and family died for nothing of value during that war. Slavery is wrong, but a peaceful settlement was not to come. Nicely done.

[Samuel Dickens]

Thanks, Will. War, in my opinion, is always a sign of man's failure.

[B. Boileau]

You sir are a brilliant story writer, and now I see a poet too! (welcome to the dark side)...
Nicely penned with great rythm and with a signature twist ta-boot. One of the reasons I always check out someones last on the list piece of work is because of gems like this. Bravo !
bill

[Samuel Dickens]

Thank you, Bill. Although I don't consider myself much of a poet, I do write one occasionally.

[Einstein Noodle]

rich in history and strong rhyming form .. these kinds of tales need telling over and over in my opinion .. we remember things for a reason says i! ;)
E.

[Samuel Dickens]

Thank you, and I agree. History is extremely important.