In memoriam: for black patriots close to home and for those farther away

The Patriots

Twice the general and his men

            Attacked Cynthiana

Seeking its—

            and our nation’s—

                        destruction,

all to extend slavery’s sway.

Today,

            in Cherry Grove Cemetery,

near the foot of a traitor’s bridge,

lie patriots of color:

            Buffalo Soldiers who fought to extend our nation coast to coast

            and others still who fought in

Cuba,

            “the war to end all wars”

                        WWII

                                    Korea and Vietnam.

Patriots all

            Who defended the

            Lives and freedoms

Of those who built the

                        General John Hunt Morgan Memorial Bridge