The Fence

Author’s Note: This was inspired by another story I read called “Battle Prayer” by Mad Mistress of Death and the movie “Gettysburg.” The Bible verse is Psalm 70.

The Fence

~A Story of the Battle of Gettysburg~

This is my final charge. I know it is. The Good Lord says that my time has come. I know that I will not make it across this field. I can hear the cannons firing. Colonel Alexander is doing is best to provide us cover. No matter what, it will not save me.

We begin our march. The cannons still firing over our heads. The smoke provides cover, but, in my heart, I know that it will not be enough. Many good men will die here. Too many good many will.

I know that with my death, it’ll keep my family safer for one more day.

I know that with my death, it’ll slow the Yankees down from Richmond.

I know that with my death, I have done my duty to my country.

I watch as men around me fall. They fall praying.

I run. “Hasten, O God, to save me...come quickly LORD, to help me...”

We are almost to the fence. I watch more men die as they climb over it.

Boom, boom. It is all around me.

“May those who want to take my life...be put to same and confession...may all those who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace...”

I fire. I don’t want to kill anyone, but I have to do some good in my final charge of death.

I hear the officers shooting for us to keep low and keep moving. Who would be stupid enough to stop in this death trap?

“May those who say to me, ‘Aha! Aha!’...turn back because of their shame...”

I’m not here because of the slaves. I’m here because I refuse to pay taxes for the North’s big factories. I don’t even on slaves and strongly am against the idea of it.

BOOM! The cannon ball falls ten yards behind me.

I run forward.

“But may all who seek you..rejoice and be glad in you...may those who long for your saving help always... say, ...‘The LORD is great!’”

I am almost to the fence. I don’t want that fence to come closer. Hundreds of bodies litter the ground around it and the ground is red. I hope that their souls reach Heaven.

I reach the fence and begin to climb.

“But as for me, I am poor and needy...come quickly to me, O God...You are my help and deliverer...LORD do not delay.”

I am almost to the top.

BOOM!

I am hit!

I fall down...

Down...

Down....