Friday, June 7, 2013
Ironclads
Ironclads
L. Edgar Otto 07 June, 2013
We scuttled her in Great Bridge
for liberty, palm and moon
If it hadn't been for Erickson's damn cheese box
we'd rammed the Minnesota on a dune
Now the ladies in their parasols stood
watching from the beach
Ironclads fighting to a draw, wooden ships not made
to run the blockade
Me and Littlepage, Tarheels thru the swamp
served on the Merrimack, renamed the proud Virginia
retreated to our dismal camp
The acrid sulfur smoke did burn our eyes
the cannon balls on iron made our ears bleed
Second American revolution equal ring of stars
before a burning Southern Cross replaced the stars and bars
The ladies of Norfolk town, hardtack, chicory, burlap gowns
fell prey to scavengers and fires burning down
Thus ever to tyrants preserving Liberty, Eternity ne'er worn,
and Plenty until exhausted all that's battle born
Me and Littlepage, like Phoenix rise again,
Bayonets, battleships, and losers Kingdom come
unmarked that sea of graves and might have been
* * * * *
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parasols to burlap sacks, what might have been. this is extremely vibrant and i would definitely like to hear it. excellent.
ReplyDeleteTraveling toward liberty on fire and sacrifice. Your parallel of the Ironclad ships and the hardtack ladies is brilliant.
ReplyDeleteIf this is not the purest response to the call for Americana, I don't know what is. History, details, and hardtack. The Ironclads are portrayed with such vibrancy, as are the ladies looking on from shore. Hope you make you CD! Amy
ReplyDeletebefore a burning Southern Cross replaced the stars and bars
ReplyDeleteExcellent line! Nicely done throughout.
This compelled interest and excitement from beginning to end. Very fine, strong poem.
ReplyDeleteLove the sense of history and vibrant imagery balanced here! Well done!
ReplyDelete