Poem – Up North

Hello! I’m back after a crazy week on my part… The majority of my family was at a youth camp in Wales for the week. It was jam packed with amazing worship sessions, good Bible studies, lots of belly-aching laughter and fun activities. Oh, and an operation to remove my sister’s appendix in a random Welsh hospital. So that was fun. 😀 

Aaanyways…. This week I’m going to share one of two poems that I wrote that are closely intertwined. You see, I’ve always been fascinated with the American Civil War. It is such a complex time in history, and the different ideas of freedom and bondage that the different sides held are so interesting. I may or may not be slightly obsessed with reading pretty much anything I can get my hands on on the topic of the Civil War. So it’s probably not a surprise that I had a poetry inspiration on this very multi-faceted topic. I have tried to be as accurate as possible while stepping into two pairs of soldier’s shoes – one from up north, one from down south – and telling their stories. I hope you enjoy the first poem – Up North!

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I registered today   registered to join the legions of blue marching down south determined to stem the tide of grey   they are a rebellious and stubborn people we must quench the spark before it becomes a wildfire   this country is ripping apart we must try and mend it states can’t just leave like that they have no right   people wonder if it’s all about slavery it is it’s about fighting and dying for the people who are in bondage   in the end human rights come above everything else the rebellion must be quenched and I must play a small part in the quenching   my grandfather fought for this nation fought in the revolution for freedom for every man I will follow in his footsteps I cannot let his fighting be in vain   so I’ve answered the call of my country and Mr Lincoln and I will fight to keep my nation whole   to be sure my leaving will tear mother apart I’m her only son   and deep inside something wonders if perhaps these men down south are only confused and angry brothers to be reconciled by a firm hand   but I must go there’s no looking back I’m a Union soldier now and there’s a long road ahead winding down south