I’m not much of a poetry connoisseur, but I liked the idea behind these works. S. Thomas Summers writes in the voice of ordinary soldiers, basing some of his poems on letters or photos.
Union Solider Recounts the Burning of Atlanta
A local boy said the smoke was darker
than the walls of a heifer’s ass,
but Gen. Sherman strolled
right through it as if molded
from soot. The haze
gathered behind him
like the Reaper’s cloak.
Hiking out, heat stabbed
our backs like bayonets;
Remember Atlanta boys,
the general barked.
Even hell’s on our side.
From then on I assumed
I was marching
behind Satan himself.
Sin or not, I was pleased as pie
Hey there – thanks for posting this!!
If you’re interested, my book, Private Hercules McGraw: Poems of the American Civil War, has just been released by Anaphora Literary Press. I’m very grateful for the early praise it has received. If you want or need more information follow the link provided here.
http://thelintinmypocket.wordpress.com/private-hercules-mcgraw/
My book is available on amazon.com.
Hope it was ok to share this information here.
All the best,
S. Thomas Summers
You’re more than welcome to share the info! Hopefully you’ll get some sales out of it. Continued success to you.