| James and Mary Ford, eds. Every Day in the Year. 1902. | | | | April 9 | | “Stack Arms!” | | By Joseph Blynth Alston |
| | | | Written in prison at Fort Delaware, Del., on hearing of the surrender of General Lee. |
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“STACK Arms!” I’ve gladly heard the cry | |
| When, weary with the dusty tread | |
| Of marching troops, as night drew nigh, | |
| I sank upon my soldier bed, | |
| And calmly slept; the starry dome | 5 |
| Of heaven’s blue arch my canopy, | |
| And mingled with my dreams of home | |
| The thoughts of Peace and Liberty. | |
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| “Stack Arms!” I’ve heard it when the shout | |
| Exulting ran along our line, | 10 |
| Of foes hurled back in bloody rout, | |
| Captured, dispersed; its tones divine | |
| Then came to mine enraptured ear, | |
| Guerdon of duty nobly done, | |
| And glistened on my cheek the tear | 15 |
| Of grateful joy for victory won. | |
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| “Stack Arms!” In faltering accents, slow | |
| And sad, it creeps from tongue to tongue, | |
| A broken, murmuring wail of woe, | |
| From manly hearts by anguish wrung. | 20 |
| Like victims of a midnight dream, | |
| We move, we know not how nor why; | |
| For life and hope like phantoms seem, | |
| And it would be relief—to die! | | | |
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