Kathryn stood on the, porch with her arm wrapped around the post. She was poised by the steps with resolve and a prayer. “Years ago, when Henry Jr. and I built this house, the boys were so small, James 3 and Nathaniel barely 2. Life seemed simpler then.”
“The call to arms came just before midnight, President Polk sent an army to protect Americans and defend the country’s borders. Our republic won its freedom from Mexico a few years ago and after all these years there are still border disputes. Maybe this will put an end to all the fighting and people can live in peace again. War is such a horrible thing.”
“Henry Sr. died defending the Republic of Texas, in fact he died in his son’s arms. He still doesn’t talk, much about what happened, and I can’t even imagine what it must have been like. It wasn’t long after that when Matilda died of grief, she just couldn’t go no living with out her Beloved.”
Hooves clomped on the packed dirt, harnesses jingled, and Jim’s horse snorted. “My boys are still young. I only hope the time Henry has spent teaching them to shoot, ride, track, and survive will now protect the lives of my boys. They heard the call to arms and each knew it was his duty to serve. I could see the fear in Jim’s eyes and hear the quiver in Nathaniel’s voice; but they have put on stern faces.” They smile and mount the horses, Nathaniel gave a resounding hurrah and they waved their hats as they turned south.
The morning sun was bright and cast long shadows across the prairie. “I still can’t believe that I am standing here watching my men ride off to war. I just pray to God that they will all come home. I just don’t know if I can live without them.” Thick dust clouds rolled west as Henry, Jim, and Nathaniel rode off.
It would be a good 3 years before she would see them again and by that time each would be a different man. She turned back to the house and started cleaning up breakfast. The chores couldn’t wait.
wil becker
2007.06.22
