The Night Two Armies Sang

For a time that defies understandin',
two armies had camped 'cross a stream.
Sentries were set and prepared for a fight,
then, one camp had started to sing.

 The songs were familiar, so soldiers joined in
Like one choir the two foes became.
Thoughts of the comin' engagement aside.
That evenin' those men felt the same.

Troops that were gathered wore blue and the gray,
and both thought their cause to be "Right."
Somehow, all the diff'rence was lost for a time,
as singin' went on through the night.

Singers who stood between enemy camps
would sometimes find need for a pause,
Instead of derision, or tauntin' or jeers
they both showed respect with applause.

Hist'ry records 'tween the North and the South,
that men by the thousands were slain.
Brother slew brother in battle next day,
forgettin' the bond when they sang.

For a time that defies understandin'
two armies had camped 'cross a stream,
forgettin' a war that was ragin' about
to lift up their voices to sing.

Those who came back at the end of that war,
were cowboys before very long..
Maybe that's why, 'round the campfire at night
 they still sing the very same songs..

Rod Nichols
(c) 2007