Autumn in Antietam

                It was a late fall afternoon  as the leaves swirled in the air like a hundred little butterflies, slowly falling to the earth, a strong breeze swooping them up again and sending them dancing once more. I could make out a few distant shapes in the clouds above, as a soft drum beat sounded across the hills, not really paying them much mind. The soft warmth of the sun kissed my cheeks and I turned my heavy head sideways, my eyelids wanting for sleep.



                Thomas lay to my side, his eyes distant, his hair matted with sweat, a little drool on his chin. I could hardly believe he was missing his lower torso, gore splattered across the field, but then again it was only fitting my brother and I see this world end together. I myself was no better off, looking numbly back at my own mangled leg, the other somewhere else. I didn’t really feel nor hear the muskets, but I knew they were there.



                I looked up at the sky, how beautiful it was. I opened my mouth to take a deep sigh, but my lungs refused to work, a pinch in them keeping them from really working. Spots ran across my vision like the leaves from before scurried across the ground. It was getting dark, I should probably get some rest soon. I’m sure the captain will wake me for muster tomorrow.