War Poems
March 16, 2011 - 5 Comments
by Jim Barnes
We received the following poems from Diane Watson, whom the Donegans met at the U.S. Christian Commission Chapel service in Gettysburg a few weeks ago.
Anywhere Close
I’m wearing Blue, my Brother’s in Gray
He left when the conflict arose
I love the Union, he disagrees
We’ll talk when he’s anywhere close.
Saw him at Fredericksburg, just got a glimpse
My hand on the trigger – it froze
I’ll tell him what happened that day way back then
Some day, if he’s anywhere close.
Just got a letter from Mother this week
She’s healthy and well as it goes
I want my Brother to read of her love
Some day, if he’s anywhere close.
Heard that his unit is heading up north
I just can’t consider them foes
We’re going to follow and maybe we’ll meet
Up there, if he’s anywhere close.
Campfires burning – a hot, humid night
On this beautiful ground Buford chose
A familiar voice hollers, “Hey Brother, you there
Are you there, are you anywhere close?”
From “Strike the Tents’@
by Diane E. Watson
A Tribute
(To WWII Veterans)
From someone who was not around
To those of you who were
World War II would change your life
And make mine safe and sure
To those of you who made it home
To those you left behind
The reasons for your sacrifice
Are always on my mind
The plane you flew, the ship you sailed
The ground you marched across
The freezing snow, the burning sun
The friends you loved and lost
Freedom’s worth the sacrifice
Each day I “thank you” Vets
You who won the victory
I never will forget
Diane Watson
1995
Poems by permission of the author
Comments (5)
Bill Donegan
March 28th, 2011 at 4:19 am
Thanks Jim for posting those poems.
On December 3, 2010 the U.S. Christian Commission Civil War Chapel was burned to the ground by arson. They need your help to rebuild.
Next time you are in Gettysburg, stop by the Christian Comission. They worship every Sunday 10:30 am now at the oldest church in town, The Grand Army of the Republic building HQ it is just off Baltimore street downtown. Easy to find it.
The US Christian Commission mailing address: PO Box 4037, Gettysburg, PA 17325. if youd like to make a donation to rebuild the chapel.
God Bless,
Bill Donegan
bill Donegan
March 29th, 2011 at 2:55 pm
Here is the actual address for the Civil War period church service location:
GAR Hall
53 E. Middle Street
Gettysburg, Pa 17325
717 339-0339
Bill
Diane E. Watson
May 21st, 2011 at 7:05 pm
I am the author of the two war poems. I hope you are enjoying them. Consider them dedicated to CW Reenactors and all American Vets.
Thank you,
Diane Watson
Jim Barnes
May 22nd, 2011 at 5:17 pm
Thank you for the poems. They are quite wonderfjul.
Janean
March 12th, 2012 at 3:39 pm
Hi,
My husband has done Reenacting and Living History for WWII. He was a British Paratrooper. In 2008 he had a 5 bypass surgery and because of complicaions is partially blind and other disabilities. We used to belong to the NMHA in Atlanta area. Do they still have a group or is there one here in Georgia? Thanks and have a great day.
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