...Fated, valorous army, who watches you
In this last darkling grapple? Who cheers you on?
Shall you walk in the valley of death without parade,
Knowing the taste of blood and the night too soon?
The hands of mourners will come to gather you
Under the maples of McGavock House,
And presently like you will moulder and sink,
Hearing but pilgrim steps, the pelt of leaves
That cover your ranks...your graves. Farewell,
Army of Tennessee! Rough glory, rooted here,
Feeds the lone vow, the lingering touch
Of a late comrade sworn to remember you!
Lights glow from river and town. The darkness stabs.
And winter sweeps the undefended earth.
-Donald Davidson
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