My dear Sarah - signs are strong
We may not be here much longer.
In case I'm not able to write you
again,
I must speak in these few lines
For your eyes, and please remember,
If I am no more, where I've gone there's
no pain.
Oh, my Sarah, you know, my love for you's deathless,
So strong that its
cables can't break and
All those memories of times
Of bliss spent beside you
Are with me in dreams - they sustain
me, awake.
Oh, my spirit will not fail,
I know well the cause I fight for -
The price
of our freedom is one I would pay.
Though I lay down all my joys
In this life, my love of country
Commands me to
serve Her - a voice I'll obey.
Yet hope?s comforting still? I may return safely,
And if
I should not, you will know:
When my last breath escaped,
It whispered your name, you
Forgive all my faults ? because
you love me so.
But, O Sarah! If the dead
Can return and be with loved ones
Then
I would be near you ? the cool in the shade
Would be my touch on your cheek
And my spirit standing by you
Would
say do not mourn me, and don't be afraid.
Based on Sullivan Ballou's letter
Lyrics by Alan Barrett
