Tragic[?}





Two Soldiers



1

It was just before the last fierce charge,

Two soldiers drew their reins,

With a parting word and a touch of the hand--

They might never meet again.



One had blue eyes and curly hair,

Nineteen but a month ago.

There was red on his cheeks and down on his chin,

He was only a lad, you know.



2

The first to speak was the tall, dark man,

Saying, "Charlie, my time has come;

We'll ride up yonder hill together,

But you'll ride back alone."



Will you promise a little trouble to take

For me when I am gone?

I have a picture next to my heart,

With blue eyes and curly hair.



3 

"As morning light she was to me;

For she gladdened a lonely life;

And little cared I for the thought of fate,

When she promised to be my wife.



O Charlie, write to her tenderly,

Send back this fair, fond face;

Tell her tenderly how I died,

And where is my resting place.



4 "Tell her my soul shall want for her

In the bordering lands between---

In a space between the heavens and earth---

It won't be long, it seems.



Tears dimmed the blue eyes of the boy.

His voice was low with pain;

"I'll do your bidding, Comrade mine,

If I ride back again.



5

"But if you ride back and I am dead,

You must do as much for me,

My Mother at home must hear the news,

Write to her tenderly.



"One after another of those she loved, xshe buried, bothx

She buried, both father and sons,

And I am the last of my country's call,

She prayed and sent me on.



6

"She's praying at home like a waiting saint,

Her fair face wet with tears,

Her heart will be broken when she hears I am dead,

I'll see her soon, I know."



Just then the order came to  march.

For an instant hand touched hand;

They answered "Aye" and then rode on,

That brave devoted band.