Whispering Battalions

A gentleman was known by his books,

But now he is known by the ones he has not returned.

This thing is going to fall to pieces some day,

And looking for them ain’t going to do no good.

Indomitable skeleton, held until it was drowned.

Debris half submerged, healing out to the sea and the caverns and grottoes.

What do you want to go that way for?

You can't do no good looking through the gate,

Miss Caddy done gone long ways away.

Sad generations, go on and wonder about the whispering battalions,

Who still think they own this pasture.

Caddy smelled like trees but I couldn't smell trees anymore.

She took the kitchen soap and washed her mouth at the sink.

But I couldn't smell trees anymore.

I could hear the clock, and I could hear Caddy standing behind me,

A hopeless voice, held until it was drowned.