The Burning of Columbia

When Columbia burns
She burns
Defeated
Surrendered
Brought to her knees
Given to Sherman
And his unchained
Federal prisoners and
Slaves
Tasting liberty
Sweet nectar
Liquor
Glorious emancipation
Anger and vengeance
They tumble and fight
Loot and light
The city with flame
Roiling in high winds
Until a heart of the South
Falls
Ashen
Eclipsed by blood brothers

© Poem Fix http://www.poemfix.com 2012
Image: William Waud