Black Soldier

Well, it filled her old heart full of joy
 But she didn't know 'til she read the inside
 It was the last one from her darling boy
 "Dear Mom," was the way that it started
 "I miss you so much," it went on
 "And Mom, I didn't know that I loved you so
 But I'll prove it when this war is won"
 "I'm writing this down in a trench, Mom
 So don't scold if it isn't so neat
 For you know as you did when I was a kid
 And would come home with mud on my feet"
 "Well, the captain just gave us our orders
 And Mom, we will carry them through
 I'll finish this letter the first chance I get
 But for now I'll just say I love you"
 Then the mother's old hands began to tremble
 As she fought against tears in her eyes
 For they came unashamed, there was no name
 And she knew that her darlin' had died
 That night as she knelt down by her bedside
 She prayed, "Lord above, hear my plea
 Protect all the sons who are fighting tonight
 And dear God, keep America free"