Oh, wasn’t he a handsome man.

Frozen in my mind I see him.

Not an especially tall man,

yet sitting so tall, always erect.

His stately head naturally held high.

From him emanated a virtuous pride.

Enveloped in a nobility that obliges.

A pride in self and people that inspired,

that could revitalize tired, ragged,

hungry men and cause their minds and

bodies to freshen and throw-off the

weariness of the long war.

Even the bearing of his horse Traveler

seemed to add to the dignified deportment

of this great man.

It was not required that he say a single word,

no, just seeing him inspired a justifiable

pride. And to his vanquished men he was

family. He was father, mother and country.

This is your day, General Lee, this will always

be your day.

After all these years, I know you my brother.

And while I never saw you, I can join with the

Southern lady who so eloquently expressed

her admiration by saying;

"I have only heard of God but I’ve seen

General Lee."

Happy birthday, Sir

James Floyd

James Floyd lives and writes from the Civil Rights Theme Park called Alabama and celebrates MLK day on April 4.

Mr. James Floyd