Fort Sumter

In Charleston came the beginning
of four long years and more
of misery terror and sadness
brought on when men make war.

Fellow Americans seen as enemies
in a harbor of our nation,
was it patriotism or treason
that sired this abomination?

Madness descended to twist awry
the political definitions
of what motivates a nation
with regional ambitions.

With civil discourse broken down
cannon spoke instead of reason,
ushering in a shooting war
for our country's longest season.

Setting records for brutality
and sowing hatred deep,
death inflicted on both sides
enough enmity to keep.

With early battles handily won
the Confederacy held its own,
until the blockade tightened
and the south was heard to groan.

Beyond Sumter's stony battlements
was a hostile enemy sea,
your first victory was your last
as the inevitable came to be.


by Robert Quinn
all rights reserved