It is upon us once again, the remembrance of one of the most noble of Southern men.
But this time, the heirs of Virginia are beset with a tyranny not seen since Lincoln marched his armies into Virginia, forcing Lee to chose his country and kin over servitude to foreigners.
I penned this poem some time ago after visiting Appomattox Court House.
I suspect that if our beloved General were alive today, he would gallantly mount Traveller and gallup to Richmond to set the foreign legislators to flight in defense of liberty once again.
To Robert E. Lee,
In the hollow eyes of starving men, With worn out shoes, but still fight within.
Would you have made a solemn vow,
If in poverty, your kin would now bow?
Could you have foreseen, the hurt, remorse,
As in honor you fought, from your brave white horse?
Gray hair flowing as you lead your nation strong; For only four years was the struggle long.
O, I think you would not have sheaved that day your swords, Knowing the wicked would become your children’s “lords.”
I walked that fence and that day I cried. A Court House in Virginia where freedom died.
In bitter remembrance of a nation of splendor; sold to Yankee bankers, borrowers, and lenders.
You were so brave and all those that followed; But for honor and your family, your pride swallowed.
O do not be regretful of that single deed;
For you are the father of a noble breed…
-By Father Dabney
O I’m a good old rebel, now that’s just what I am. For this “fair land of freedom” I do not care at all. I’m glad I fit against it, I only wish we’d won, And I don’t want no pardon for anything I done.
Nice!
On the subject on General Lee, can anybody recommend a biography for the elementary school level?
G.A. Henty books are very good, although for older children that can read. But I would encourage you to read them to them.
It’s been a minute since I had little ones.
I hope this helps.
Thanks, I’ll check them out.