Vigil Strange I Kept on the Field One Night.

Part of the cluster DRUM-TAPS.

VIGIL STRANGE I KEPT ON THE FIELD ONE NIGHT.

VIGIL strange I kept on the field one night: When you, my son and my comrade, dropt at my side
that day, One look I but gave, which your dear eyes return'd,
with a look I shall never forget; One touch of your hand to mine, O boy, reach'd up as
you lay on the ground; Then onward I sped in the battle, the even-contested
battle; Till late in the night reliev'd, to the place at last again I
made my way; Found you in death so cold, dear comrade—found your
body, son of responding kisses, (never again on
earth responding;) Bared your face in the starlight—curious the scene—
cool blew the moderate night-wind; Long there and then in vigil I stood, dimly around me
the battle-field spreading; Vigil wondrous and vigil sweet, there in the fragrant
silent night; But not a tear fell, not even a long-drawn sigh—Long,
long I gazed; Then on the earth partially reclining, sat by your side,
leaning my chin in my hands; Passing sweet hours, immortal and mystic hours with
you, dearest comrade—Not a tear, not a word; Vigil of silence, love and death—vigil for you, my son
and my soldier, As onward silently stars aloft, eastward new ones up-
ward stole; Vigil final for you, brave boy, (I could not save you,
swift was your death, I faithfully loved you and cared for you living—I think
we shall surely meet again;) Till at latest lingering of the night, indeed just as the
dawn appear'd, My comrade I wrapt in his blanket, envelop'd well his
form, [ begin page 281 ]

ppp.00270.283.jpg Folded the blanket well, tucking it carefully over head,
and carefully under feet; And there and then, and bathed by the rising sun, my
son in his grave, in his rude-dug grave I de-
posited; Ending my vigil strange with that—vigil of night and
battle-field dim; Vigil for boy of responding kisses, (never again on earth
responding;) Vigil for comrade swiftly slain—vigil I never forget,
how as day brighten'd, I rose from the chill ground, and folded my soldier well
in his blanket, And buried him where he fell.

Part of the cluster DRUM-TAPS.