A Civil General
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Оглавление
David Stinebeck. A Civil General
Отрывок из книги
To Jared, Catherine, and Jeffrey
for their love and extraordinary patience
.....
A young boy, dressed in a Confederate uniform, lies face upward, eyes closed; there is no sign of a wound, and he looks as if he might be sleeping. I get down from my horse, and moving his rifle away from him, jostle his leg. I cannot believe he does not wake up, and I keep trying for what seems like minutes. A mule with one of his legs blown off has obviously been standing on three legs all day long; where could his strength be coming from, waiting for who knows what? How many poor men moaned through the cold night in the thick woods after that first day’s battle, calling in vain for help, and finally dealing with God on their own.
I find my men, back at camp, talking in hushed voices about comrades that have not returned. They assume they are dead, though some undoubtedly have fled. There are no laughs, not even the laughter of fear that comes with sorrow. A frivolous word would insult the slain. They have sought for a long time a grand battle, and have finally gotten one. They see it is like a storm through autumn leaves, and are amazed to discover that they are still attached to the tree.
.....