Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: The Pen is Mightier than the Sword (04/08/10)
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TITLE: Carnage of Heart | Previous Challenge Entry
By angelos2 wark
04/10/10 -
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My bleeding heart, no more pain can endure. A Mother nurtures her young. My dreams and aspirations are crushed. Like a sponge the earth sucks in the blood of my sons.
Will they not cease from this unconscionable appetite for combat? They boast of Honor and principle. No alternative they claim, as Their Wives and Children, Widows and Orphans become.
I recall the anguish of a daughters words, as to her husband she wrote;
My Dearest Robert,
… The days are long and the nights lonely without you. I know that as the wife of a revered and highly respected General I should be strong; like you committed to the cause at all costs. However I cannot.
Each day I pray for your safe and speedy return. The children miss you terribly. Mary, just this morning asked, why are daddies shooting each other? I embraced her as the tears pelted my cheeks. I could not answer. I didn’t have an answer. Forgive me, but I find myself as confused as she. My only desire is for this horrid war to come to an end. Stay warm and May God keep you safe.
Your loving Molly.
I grieve for Molly. I ache for the Thousands and more who bear Molly’s heart. How many decisions of war have been decided on blood and tear stained letters of correspondence between the Warrior and his Bride? Wounded and disillusioned men of battle privately weep over a Five-year-old son’s stick man drawing of holding their daddy’s hand.
How many more Children must I surrender to this merciless cause?
Their cries for Freedom echo from room to room of fatherless homes.
As tattered Flags flap in the stagnant breeze of death, they press on. Hundreds of thousands have come to my bosom. I weep as I embrace their lifeless bodies. This must end!
My son Robert looks to those faithful followers, though wounded and torn, they hunger yet for more. No more! No more! He must choose life for those who remain. He responds to one final written plea from his Adversary; this decision being the most difficult one of his life!
The two Men meet. They sit in silence. The victor humbled by the defeated. Robert’s hand trembles as beads of perspiration loosen the grip of the pen he holds. Weapons now silent, as ink touches paper; bloodshed ceases; swords are surrendered.
Robert pauses, remembering Molly’s letter, as calloused fingertips caress the crimson silk sash around his waist. It was Molly’s token of love stitched exclusively for her Robert.
The smooth, delicate fabric reminds him of her cheeks, as a single tear slides down his own. He places the pen down, wipes the beads of remorse against his pant leg. He retrieves the pen and continues.
I General Robert E. Lee surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. One noble signature brings to an end the bloodiest and deadliest conflict I have yet to suffer!
I lost many of my children to this unforgettable carnage. Their blood still cries out from my bosom. Yes Freedom is my Banner. Her price was blood bought. Many sons and daughters did I give to see her wave. Proud and undaunted we rise.
United we will stand! I am their mother the United States of America! In God we still trust!
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This is the 3rd article where I have learned a new word and am pleasantly amused :)
And lastly...excellent job with the topic!
I was pleasantly surprised when you identified Molly's husband as Robert E Lee...very creative
I really liked how you stayed on topic using a reality that touches or should touch, every single American. Good Job!
I can feel the tension and humility welling inside him as he signs the surrender which will stop bloodshed and send him and other soldiers home to their families.
You used good descriptions as well. I like the comparison of the red fabric reminding him of his wife's cheek.
You might put his words as he signs the document in italics or quotations. That way it won't blend in with the main narrative so much. Other than that, great entry! Keep up the good work.