HOME AGAIN by Lucy H Washington Christian Poet 1878 Civil War Abe Lincoln Poetry II

In Echoes of Song by Mrs. Lucy Hall (Walker) Washington, I found poetry that sparked emotion without being overly sentimental. Born in 1835, she celebrated her 30th birthday the year the American Civil War ended, and also the year the 16th President of the United States of America, Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.

This year, 2009, we celebrates a good event, the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth, the actual date being February 12. I often wonder why we celebrate the date of someone's death, unless it would be to celebrate their going to their eternal home with God.

The following poem, Home Again, was written by Mrs. Washington, as "suggested" (inspired?) by the "beautiful picture, .... painted by Trevor Mc Clurg, Esq., of Pittsburgh, Penn." The War Between the States cost more lives than any other war our country fought. It is good to also honor those who lived.

Home Again

"HOME again!" with thrilling accent,
Sprang from lips the magic word,
Quickening every pulse and heart throb,
"Where the well known voice was heard,

Home from war's dark scenes of conflict;
Home from prison's darker gloom;
He had thought ere this glad moment,
To have found a stranger's tomb.

Oh, the torture of those hours,
Burning hunger thirst and pain,
Yet he thinks not of their anguish,
Now that is is Home again.

Joyous Frank and gentle Nellie,
He had greeted just before,
And on either side supported,
Enters now the open door.

Seeking first, her, best beloved,
Where he finds a glad surprise,
Beaming from each radiant feature,
Glancing from those up-turned eyes.

Him, the idol of the maiden,
Dearest treasure of the wife,
She with loyal heart had yielded,
For the Nation's trembling life.

What glad tumult fills her bosom,
Recompense for waiting pain,
For the land she loves is rescued,
Whom she gave is Home again.

Mother, name scarce less endearing,
Manifests maternal joy,
As she stands in mute thanksgiving,
That God hath restored her boy.

Others called him Captain, Colonel,
Even General though he be,
She but sees her noble Edward,
Merry boy of yesterday.

Father gravely waits a greeting,
Age hath silvered o'er his hair,
Else he too had joined the conflict,
For his heart had followed there.

All are joyous at his coming,
'Tis a cheerful happy sight;
Even Carlo bounding forward,
Plainly shows a dog's delight.

One one is shy and doubting,
Little prattling Baby May,
She has learned to lisp of Pa-pa,
Yet she knows him not to-day.

Yes, it is a gladsome picture,
Yet with joy it giveth pain,
When we think of precious thousands,
Never to come Home again.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
God protect our rescued country,
From her foes, where e'er they stand,
Whether in her halls of council,
Or with wielded sword in hand.

Let the blood of perished heroes
Wash away eaching darkling stain,
And the glorious light of Freedom,
Never be obscured again.

Transcribed by Mary Katherine May, owner of http://www.qualitymusicandbooks.com/.