My Dearest William
How precious it was to receive your letter this morning,
knowing in my heart that you still live.
My hopes again do soar in anticipation
with each passing day,
I grow more confident of your treasured return.
For I fear, that without your love,
I may just simply fade away.
Knowing well how my light reflects
most assuredly from your eyes.
That light, my love did indeed increase fourfold
the moment your cherished letter arrived.
The news of late has been most troublesome.
I fear for Richmond and your dear life .
Yet I do know that your love for us and Country
burns with quiet ardour
within your gallant heart.
So proud I am that you are such a man,
my heart could not love you more.
Nor do I regret in the least
that service that you bear
for freedom and our home.
Know then my love
that within this woman’s heart
does beat a mighty tattoo.
My love and strength I send to you
confident that you will use us rightly so.
In loving devotion:
Phoebe
Know also that our dear children
Stand with you in silent affirmation of your
Love and honour.
Dearest Phoebe,
I received your letter yesterday,
and glad was I of its receipt,
for I have had no mail in near three weeks.
Oh Phoebe, my heart goes out to you
for all the deprivation you endure,
and to our children who must bear
the burden of this awful war.
Yesterday, I rode with Colonel Jones
between the lines and saw,
at some miles distance,
the camp of our cruel foes.
And yet I could not look on it
with equanimity,
for surely they must number
worthy men among them.
Knowing what I do of war,
I dread the upcoming battle.
Can it ever be right to kill
God's children in his name?
Their blood is just as red,
their dead as dead,
their screams of wounded
just as wretched as our own.
This coming battle will decide
the fate of dear old Richmond
and our cause; but Phoebe,
if I fall remember this:
The love that binds
us two as one is spirit forged
and will endure our deaths
and for all time.
Your devoted husband,
William
ps: Kiss the children for me.
Adding your comment:
