This is a poem about the Southerners in the US Civil War like the Tennessee regiments who fought on the Union side, of whom were many, and their ranks were silent by necessity but many in number.
Johnny Blue
The men in gray embrace their lies,
The Union army holds what’s true,
but beware the most the unknown prize
fought for by Johnny men in blue.
They hold most dear a precious fight
oppressed in silence through and through,
and keep thus hid ferocious light
fought for by Johnny men in blue.
Around them they see every day
rags and slavery’s suffering true,
thus propaganda’s feet of clay
are smashed to bits by Johnny Blue.
His eyes are fire, his nostrils flare,
to lay six deep the gray mens’ crew,
of all good fighting men, he’ll dare
not to aim high, brave Johnny Blue.
Accuse the South of rebel heart
no quarter given through and through,
but rebels in their ranks are smart,
cutthroats at night, dark Johnny Blue.
When blue boys are on the north train
avert your eyes, they’ll stare you through;
the Grays have God, we have Mark Twain,
Hell’s flames won’t touch good Johnny Blue.
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