Page:All quiet along the Potomac and other poems.djvu/21

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ON THE SHORES OF TENNESSEE.
15

ON THE SHORES OF TENNESSEE.


MOVE my arm-chair, faithful Pompey,
 In the sunshine bright and strong,
For this world is fading, Pompey—
    Massa won't be with you long;
And I fain would hear the south wind
    Bring once more the sound to me
Of the wavelets softly breaking
    On the shores of Tennessee.

"Mournful though the ripples murmur
    As they still the story tell,
How no vessels float the banner
     That I've loved so long and well,
I shall listen to their music,
     Dreaming that again I see
Stars and Stripes on sloop and shallop
     Sailing up the Tennessee.

"And, Pompey, while old massa's waiting
     For Death's last despatch to come,
If that exiled starry banner
     Should come proudly sailing home,
You shall greet it, slave no longer;
     Voice and hand shall both be free
That shout and point to Union colors
     On the waves of Tennessee."

"Massa's berry kind to Pompey,
     But ole darkey's happy here,