let me tell you about the civil war

im worried that ive been too in control.

im not afraid of dirty houses and

im not afraid of morning drinking.

no i wont hesitate to tell you exactly what it is

because i can see it clearly

1861

one inch away from savagery

a crooked step towards chivalry

in the deep cold waters

we wash the bodies clean and

drag them up onto the ferry

i wait with old women on front porches

wrinkled hands, stitched confederate flags

watching for soldiers returning to the fold

knowing strong men have the most to loose

we will always bow our heads

yes yes

by the sunrise drunken girls will always stumble home