Break the News to Mother

By Charles K. Harris

While the shot and shell were screaming on the battlefield,
The boys in blue were fighting their noble flag to shield;
Came a cry from their brave captain,
"Look, boys! our flag is down;
Who'll volunteer to save it from disgrace?"
"I will," a young voice shouted,
"I'll bring it back or die,"
Then sprang into the thickest of the fray,
Saved the flag but gave his young life;
all for his country's sake.
They brought him back and softly heard him say:
"Just break the news to mother,
She knows how dear I love her,
And tell her not to wait for me,
For I'm not coming home;
Just say there is no other
Can take the place of mother;
Then kiss her dear, sweet lips for me,
And break the news to her."
From afar a noted general had witnessed the brave deed.
"Who saved our flag? Speak up lads;
'twas noble, brave, indeed!"
"There he lies, sir," said the captain,
"he's sinking very fast,"
Then slowly turned away to hide a tear.
The general, in a moment, knelt down beside the boy;
Then gave a cry that touch'd all hearts that day.
"It's my son, my brave young hero;
I thought you safe at home."
"Forgive me Father, for I ran away."

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