A few years ago, I gave a presentation at the library in Louisville, Mississippi. One of the attendees who braved the storms that day was a gentleman named Allen Baswell. He is a writer and poet, and he recently composed a piece about a fictional woman soldier. Thank you, Mr. Baswell, for using your gift to honor these extraordinary women. I was delighted that he shared his work with me and that he gave me permission to share it with you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
She, too, wore the gray
Months have passed since Ellen saw her brother off to war
as she packed his knapsack and loaded his gun
“Dear sis, I’m off to fight Billy Yank,” he said. “I plan to have fun!”
In time, she would come up with a bold and risky plan
to join the Rebel army—but she would be a man
Ellen cuts her hair; dons men’s attire, grabs her gun
when she enlists, she says her name is Ellis
In camp, days later, her brother sees her, and is in dismay
“Dear sis, it can’t be…you’ve joined the army!”
yes, she said she did join, and she is ready to fight
and will fight to the very end, the wretched enemy
“You know how good I can shoot..I’m the best shot in the county!”
May, 1863, Vicksburg, Mississippi—
a summer morning calm and pristine
as the day moves on, it’ll be a changing scene
at Champion’s Hill, she caught a bullet in the left knee
her wound is serious—so she returns home to Tippah County
Years quickly pass, she’s married with kids galore
her youngest son rambles through the closet, sees her old uniform
The child asks, “Is this yours, Mommy? Did you fight in the war?”
The child’s father replies, “Yes, she did…with valor and glory
Your mother fought stout and brave, her courage never did cave
her love for her native Southland—she did not betray
with pride and honor…she, too, wore the gray.”
--Allen Baswell
© 09-02-21
