I try not to reach out and touch you,
When I walk upon these fields,
But the fact that I’m here at all is invitation for you to extend your hands
And brush them through my soul.
What is it that you’d like me to feel in your gentle stroke?
I cannot name that sensation trailing through my heart,
Although I’ve tried my best,
To knock it down with reason,
Stuffing a bookshelf full of facts,
So that I might know your situation.
You were sick.
Tired, no,
Exhausted here
And thirsty.
Your eyes burned red and ran.
Your guts ached and ran, as well,
Brimming you with nausea and draining you of passion.
Yet, I’m reminded of the great things, too, that you accomplished here.
The superhuman deeds fueled by hate, resolve, and anger,
Or was it desperation?
No!
Please, don’t answer.
Please, don’t clear the smoke.
I try not to reach out and touch you, you boys of Gettysburg, but you slide your fingers through my soul,
And leave a lonely ache
That, unbidden, always comes.