DEMON

DEMON

"I see more demons among them, all black as night. On has horns that spiral high and twisting over its head. One wears the gray poncho of a fallen soldier like a cape, while another lies like a crow, weaving between men. I stare too long at the horned creature and am noticed. White eyes stare back, flicker red and yellow. I catch a glimpse of its face - a mouthful of teeth, a wet snout. I look away, look down. I find my musket in the mud, lift it free, pause, then walk away from the battle. Back toward the ticket, the spot of the ambush, and my brother."

Philip Fracassi, Shiloh