To My Children

BY A SOLDIER IN THE ARMY

Darlings – I am weary – pining;

Shadows fall across my way

I can hardly see the lining

Of the clouds – the silver lining

Turning darkness into day.

I am weary of the sighing

Moaning – wailing through the air

Breaking hearts, in anguish crying

For the lost ones – for the dying

Sobbing anguish of despair.

I am weary of the fighting

Brothers red with brother’s gore

Only, that the wrong we’re righting –

Truth and Honor’s battle fighting –

I would draw my sword no more.

I am pining dearest, pining

For your kisses on my cheek

For your dear arms round me twining

For your soft eyes on me shining

For your lov’d words darlings – speak.

Tell me in your earnest prattle

Of the olive branch and dove

Call me from the cannon’s rattle

Take my thoughts away from battle

Fold me in your dearest love.

Darlings – I am weary pining

Shadows fall across my way,

I can hardly see the lining

Of the clouds – the silver lining

Turning darkness into day.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 3