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
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