~ A Fort In Time ~

Long shadows

cling to darkened walls

 hushed in the depth of time

sit ghostly memories

woven in tapestries of peace and war

burnt oak scents waft

from a fireplace, long cold

amenities few

 needs by choice had the voice

nothing frivolous had been secured

armament racks held long guns

 light from a southern sky

slices through a window

in shadows wide, rough hewn beams

secure the ceiling

where quartered were conscripts

the fort’s gray sandstone walls

standing between two bastions

 formidable at discouraging

unwanted entry

through the French and Indian wars

our nation’s battle for independence

a bloody civil war

she served them well throughout

periods interrupted by riotous hell

now in silent testament she serves

as a historical reminder of war’s spoils

life ending struggles 

the terminus for many

ground hallowed by those that fell

 choosing to defend, life and liberty

on the frontier of tomorrow’s dreams

her walls weep the tears

of many sorrows

let us hold her memory long

and honor her part in

 freedom’s resounding song