I found the most beautiful poem in a book on the Louisiana 1st Cavalry Regiment which I am
reprinting.
This poem was written by Fred M. Kent - one of "The Rattlesnake Boys"
Oh! my country what grief to know
Thy tattered banner shall no longer wave
To welcome the vain and dastard foe
To deathby hands of Southern braves.
Four long years thy noble sons
Have bared their breasts beneath its folds
And many a glorious victory won
And many a tale of sorrow told.
'Twas vain they poured their noblest blood
Like water from the mighty sea,
Till o'er the land swept the flood
Of those who died for liberty.
Our Heavenly Father, Thy just decree
Has bowed our heads beneath the yoke
Though we poor mortals cannot see
Why came this sad and bitter stroke.
Though still our spirits scorn the foe
We humbly bow to Thy decree,
And back to the hated Union go
Since 'tis not Thy will we should be free.
Though for years we are forced to bow
Our anguished heads 'neath tyranny,
Just Heaven! hear our solemn vow,
We yet will strike for liberty!
John Rigdon
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