A post card of the McLean House
at Appomattox arrived
and announced Lee’s surrender
of the Army of Northern Virginia.
History books prepared me
for this eventuality.
I was happy it was finally done
and moved from fiction to reality.
Paul’s cherry blossom signature
was at the bottom of the postcard
and April’s fragrant air
filled my November home.
I both wanted and did not want
to be there with him
and take part in the celebration
with a silent hundred-gun salute.
I expect Lee’s tent
wore a do not disturb sign
as he lovingly touched a daguerreotype
of Mary and remembered home.
copyright © 2023 Kenneth P. Gurney
Umflop 