[The author of this poem was a sergeant in the 140th
regiment of New York volunteers, who died at the age
of 25 years, at Potomac Station, Va., December 28,
1862.--EDITOR.]
The morning is cheery, my boys, arouse!
The dew shines bright on the chestnut boughs,
And the sleepy mist on the river lies,
Though the east is flushing with crimson dyes.
Awake! awake! awake!
O’er field and wood and brake,
With glories newly born,
Comes on the blushing morn.
Awake! awake!
You have dreamed of your homes and friends all night;
You have basked in your sweethearts’ smiles so bright;
Come, part with them all for a while again,--
Be lovers in dreams; when awake, be men,
Turn out! turn out! turn out!
You have dreamed full long, I know.
Turn out! turn out! turn out!
The east is all aglow.
Turn out! turn out!
From every valley and hill they come
The clamoring voices of fife and drum;
And out in the fresh, cool morning air
The soldiers are swarming everywhere.
Fall in! fall in! fall in!
Every man in his place
Fall in! fall in! fall in!
Each with a cheerful face.
Fall in! fall in!
[Illustration]
[Illustration]