Patrick Ronayne Cleburne
(1828-1864)
General Patrick Ronayne Cleburne,
no southern star shone brighter.
"Govan, If we are to die this day,
let us die like men..."
Beneath late evening autumn skies
this noble son of Erin
and three brigades go forward.
Restless tide gray and angry..
Rally on, Patrick Cleburne,
through cannon fire and musket.
An ocean of blue awaits...
your untimely fate is calling...
Bayonet thrusts cut
smoke filled air,
furious, delirious...slashing,
like a scythe upon a wheat field
not knowing friend or foe...
Minie balls indiscriminate
cover Cleburne's approach to
Federal Breastworks...
cracking sound of Yankee rifles.
Southern star to shine no longer.
Major General Patrick Cleburne
valiant warrior, to death surrenders
as those who've gone before him
Johnston, Stonewall, Stuart...
Rally on, ye men of Cleburne
thy beloved leader now has fallen
Broken remnants of this once proud army..
merciful darkness thine only savior.
Desperate deeds..these mortal souls
for love of God and honor,
hopeless, helpless, unstoppable force?
Destined to fall in battle!
Rally on Patrick Cleburne
timeless spirit left unvanquished.
Though we shall never meet again,
Sir you've done your duty....
This page was last updated on: April 23, 2003
