Fields Of Red

by Richard Somes

(Cheyenne, Wyoming)

It had been the rule, it seemed like law – since man’s time here on earth.

Man would enslave man; they say it centered on some men’s worth.
The world had always taken slaves; twas the natural law you see.
Slavery was the rule – it would be for eternity!
It was whispered on the breeze; there was change in the air.
America would test if all men could stand; it’s soul would be laid bare.
Man had talked against this sin; he had raised his voice on high.
It was action that was needed – one could feel that war was nigh.
The battles were long in coming; the world had not stood tall.
On the battlefields in America brave hearts would stand then fall.
Many spoke of a lasting change; a sacrifice worth dying for.
Marching columns of Grey and Blue would decide if slavery would be no more.
Battles would rage – blood would flow – it would be for many a day.
This would be to the death; there are times only blood can show the way.
Who says man can make this change – that slaves shall now be free?
It’s those who fought and died – it’s they that so decree!
No more was slavery the standard; no more the bending of the knee.
Slavery was abolished – no more shall that law be.
We must all remember; when nations finally stood.
To go against this curse of man; to show the world man could.
The world had long allowed this sin; forever man’s darkest mark.
Man would change – he would see; a pathway through the dark.
And so it was on fields of red during great battles of Grey and Blue.
The world would see how a nation changed – now the world must start anew!