Do to Others

The Angel of St. Marye's Heights,
a youth wearing grey surveyed
a field of blue injured after the battle,
after a day lying injured, December,
thousands of men. Armed armies
faced each other, listening to misery,
fearful, avoiding adding theirs
to the bodies. Except one man.
Richard Kirkland, nineteen, scared,
stood facing the Northern Army
who faced the Confederates,
guns at the ready on both sides.
With them he listened to the cries
for a night and a day and wanted to help.
Unlike others, he did not yield to fear
but ventured into the carnage
bearing canteens of water, warm clothing,
blankets. The Yanks didn't fire;
the South had no need to return fire.
They watched as he ministered,
colorblind to uniforms,
helping each wounded soldier.
He had the fear, knew the danger.
He differed only in actions, in taking the step.
We can do that, not usually so obviously,
but we can confront our fear
and offer service. And doing so
we have our reward, knowing we did
the best, the most, we could do.