Forge

by Laurie Halse Anderson

We wore all manner of shirts, waistcoats, breeches, and shoes, tho' some were barefooted. Looking down our lines, I saw every possible color of hair and eye (tho' some were missing an eye and others were bald-headed), as well as all colors of skin, ...more We wore all manner of shirts, waistcoats, breeches, and shoes, tho' some were barefooted. Looking down our lines, I saw every possible color of hair and eye (tho' some were missing an eye and others were bald-headed), as well as all colors of skin, from the darkest black of men born in Africa to the snow-white pallor of the Scotsmen, and all shades in betwixt the two. The appearance of our army recalled the variations of the trees and leaves in the forest behind us. Each soldier stood tall, each soul afire with pride. (pg 50)