To young to fight, but old enough to lie
James Cooley joined the South to win the war
His jacket was made for someone taller
He was clumsy walking in heavy boots
But learned how to march in formation
James practiced loading his Enfield rifle
Aiming, then firing, hitting paper squares

When battle came, James was ready to fight
He didn’t run or hide when shots were fired
But bravely protected his position
Taking sure aim and squeezing the trigger
His gun thundered as men fell before him
Quickly he reloaded to fire again
As he moved toward the enemy lines

Suddenly he stopped, falling to the ground
Chokig to death, he looked down in surprise
Touched his hand to the hole, looked up to God
Tried to say something, but his breath ran out
His eyes didn’t close, but his face turned pail
~Author Unknown
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