First Steps

The dust flies up beneath my soul
I feel the flesh inside of me rub against my skin
My worn out leather strings are breaking
I take my first steps out onto the battlefield

I know now, not to make a sound

I roam over shells, blood, sweat
Holes are forming in the front
Soldiers are dropping around me
I take my first steps over the bodies

I know now, not to run, but to walk

The bloodiest day, Antietam
Red, hot bloodstains
Cover the socks that lie within me
I take my first steps towards my last

I know now, how to fight like there's no tomorrow
There isn't one

The shatter of hearts, bones, and barrels
The sound of silence
The lessons learned
The last moment
I'm motionless, over, dead
I took my first steps the day of my last
What I know now is so much more