Break camp in early morning dew,
assemble at bike shop before rental battles begin,
move out equipped with maps, helmets and backpacks.
Family expedition to historic war zone in July,
amid maturing wheatfields and quiet peach orchards.
Pedal single-file, pause to read marker,
muster a smile for the photograph and
retreat to the solemn shade for a picnic lunch.
Today, brothers volley friendly jibes where
yesterday, brothers exchanged whizzing bullets.
Sweat to the crest of Little Round Top,
dare to peer down a cannon’s dark throat,
weigh the lead ball in your hand and shudder.
Monuments mask the magnitude
of the horrors that happened here.
a poem in my pocket 
Nov 11, 2016 @ 13:09:15
Really good mixing the wonder and horror of the battlefield.
Nov 11, 2016 @ 13:45:18
Thanks, Brian.
Nov 07, 2013 @ 07:14:36
Amazing what a contrast between a family trip on bikes and the horrors of the ground
Nov 07, 2013 @ 17:43:04
Yes! Thanks for taking it in.
Nov 06, 2013 @ 02:10:52
monuments mask the maginitude of horror….so true….it sterilizes it a bit…i used to walk gettysburg often…matter of fact, my son got his head caught in the wheel of that cannon…or one that looks a lot like it…smiles.
Nov 06, 2013 @ 14:46:38
The “picture” of your son stuck brings chuckles…so typical “boy” (I have 5 sons myself).
Nov 06, 2013 @ 01:11:33
Very, very nice. Love the visuals in this poem. 🙂
Nov 06, 2013 @ 15:52:58
I appreciate your comments, Katie!
Nov 06, 2013 @ 00:02:35
Very Nice. I’ve been to Gettysburg several time ( once even on a ghost hunt) and I am always saddened by the feeling that lingers there. Lovely poem!
Nov 06, 2013 @ 15:55:12
Thank you, Morgan. I’ve only been there once but it leaves an indelible impression.
Nov 05, 2013 @ 22:36:58
I used to work Park Watch many years ago and worked the 12-4 AM shift. It was always and invigorating experience. It is the most hallowed ground I know. >KB
Nov 06, 2013 @ 16:00:10
The nightwatchman…thanks for stopping by on your rounds.
Nov 05, 2013 @ 22:19:44
I have been to Gettysburg only once, I was very young. Now my whole family (children are major history buffs) are hoping we will go soon. My dad went to Gettysburg College. I like the juxtaposition of modern against the relics of the old, especially the first stanza – really clever!
Nov 06, 2013 @ 16:21:49
Thanks for reading and commenting, Lupita. I’d also like to re-visit Gettysburg sometime. My interest in history increases with age 🙂