“Our Left”

By Francis O. Ticknor (1822–1874)

The Confederates under Lee defeated the Federals under Pope at the second battle of Bull Run on August 30, 1862.

FROM dawn to dark they stood

That long midsummer day,

While fierce and fast

The battle blast

Swept rank on rank away.

From dawn to dark they fought,

With legions torn and cleft;

And still the wide

Black battle tide

Poured deadlier on “Our Left.”

They closed each ghastly gap;

They dressed each shattered rank;

They knew—how well—

That freedom fell

With that exhausted flank.

“Oh, for a thousand men

Like these that melt away!”

And down they came,

With steel and flame,

Four thousand to the fray!

Right through the blackest cloud

Their lightening path they cleft;

And triumph came

With deathless fame

To our unconquered “Left.”

Ye of your sons secure,

Ye of your dead bereft—

Honor the brave

Who died to save

Your all upon “Our Left.”