Walden's Miscellaneous Poems :: :: University of Virginia Library

Oh! Dixie in thy wounded station,
Thou canst not be a separate nation,
Nor canst thou break the cord that's binding,
Nor set confederate mills to grinding.

I saw thee when both young and tender,
All lifted up with pomp and splendor,

And then thy chariots rolled in grandeur,
While I was picking on my “banjo.”

But since that time I saw thee falling,
When North and South for troops were calling,
Each nation from a place of resting,
Unto the fields of great contesting.

How soon I saw the battle raging,
With heroes in the strife engaging;
I heard the swords and sabres clashing
With horse and rider onward dashing.

'Twas o'er the dead and on the dying,
While shot and shell through air were flying,
Unto their groans I paused and hearkened
To see the elements were darkened.

But, first to me it was surprising,
To see my noble friends arising,
A million flags the troops were raising,
The nation's eyes were on them gazing,

From pole to pole I saw them leaping,
While Sherman through the South was sweeping,
I saw their crimson colors fading,
While northern land Lee was invading.

Went Sheridan through the South abounding,
And many troops he was surrounding;
O how the widows' hearts were breaking
When Lee and Davis calls were making.

I saw thy rosy cheeks as changing,
While mighty guns Grant was arranging.
Nor could they longer bloom in flowers,
Nor stand against the Northern powers.

But now I see the war is ended,
And all thy anger is suspended;
Peace I think I hear thee crying,
As thou art to the Union flying.

And Hallelujahs I am singing,
To see my race from bonds are springing,
For sure a better time is coming,
The insects whisper through their humming.

So now farewell to plough and hoeing,
For I to Yankee town am going;
No longer will I drive this wagon,
Nor under slavery's chains be swagging,

But Dixie, oh, the land of cotton,
Let slavery die and be forgotten;
And we will turn unto each nation
With greater zeal for education.

Although thou long hath been mistaken
And of the right thou hast forsaken;
But yet I see within thee planted
The love to thee thy fathers granted.

Therefore, thou shouldst be more inspired
When father's love in youth is fired,

Be lifted from thy degradation
Above the bonds of long probation.

O like the mighty swelling ocean,
Whose billows roll with great commotion,
The races yet will come together,
In ties of love that none can sever.

Dedicated to the good will of all persons towards the prosperity of the South.