(About the Civil War Battle of Antietam. I tried to be fairly accurate with everything and hopefully people will enjoy reading this.) 

In one single day an excessive amount of death and destruction would ensue, 

As two opposing armies engaged in a major battle fought for the first time ever,

On Union soil which provided northern forces with much incentive to vanquish,

Their southern foes once and for all if such an opportunity presented itself.

Yet despite having superior numbers the battle would cost both sides dearly,

Resulting in what would become the bloodiest day ever in American history,

As the Confederate army fought like never before to avoid utter destruction. 

But an overly cautious Union general seemed reluctant to press his advantage, 

Thus allowing the heavily outnumbered enemy to escape and flee the state,

Yet not before thousands of soldiers lost their lives as the ground became soaked,

With blood that spilled out from seemingly countless butchered carcasses,

Slain at close combat as point blank muskets opened fire without remorse, 

Or killed on the battlefield by many cannons firing at a distance not too far,

From where the main part of this brutal September conflict took place. 

Yet lethal shrapnel from exploding cannonballs also caused more deaths, 

Until at last one side withdrew from the chaotic battlefield scene first, 

Leaving the other to claim a most shallow yet morally important of strategic victories.

But never would humanity forget the bloodshed caused by this one horrific day, 

As many dead and wounded men paid a truly high price for their respective causes.