I. Antietam (1862)

Garrison . . . No, not the abolitionist;

the militia of men who stay back and

defend what’s right. Yet, what’s right?

Is it the mind’s words that instruct one’s

conscience or the heart’s rhythm that

leads one afloat? Is it right to dread silence

as others wish for night’s quietude to befall?

Inequity amongst the men: Roger was

a buff fellow, six years past the age

of 30, twelve years before his Death. Thomas

was a Shoe Shiner, who kept with him

a diary every which way he went. Sawyer

was a horseman, man’s epitomic way of

words. Was it right for these men to die?

II. Central Park (1933)

Money’s out. The safe’s filled

with nothing but cold, stale air.

Money’s man’s friend’s enemy:

enticing violence for every penny

earned. 

Clack. Clack. Clack.

A mother, rosy-cheeked, donning

a feathered hat, hightailing through

86th Street, nearly coming across

Robert, the original Man in the Yellow

Hat. 

A smile, gives Robert.

“Lady, would you happen to have

a spare dime or two?”

The Lady, head down, replies with

a brusque, “Sorry;” walking away, she

speeds up. Her child’s eyes are still

wondering at what’s just happened.

Money’s out. He’ll realize soon.

III. The Story of His Life (1976)

The child’s legacy—long, long it lives.

First, with his grandfather, honorably kneeling

for the Heavenly Gateways at Antietam,

growing older through his mother’s wisdom,

guided by a beating heart. 

He’s rich now, though he’ll never be no Dives.

He once met Lazarus, right outside of Central Park,

though thirty years have passed, and yet has he

came across thieves. Men, as honorable as they’ve

come, inspire confidence in this young child, now

six years past the age of 30, though long before

his time expires. Legacy of war, bred with wisdom,

this person knows the meaning of life.