Army of the Dead
retold by
S. E. Schlosser
A laundress, newly moved to Charleston following the Civil War, found herself awakened at the stroke of twelve each night by the rumble of heavy wheels passing in the street. But she lived on a dead end street, and had no explanation for the noise. Her husband would not allow her to look out the window when she heard the sounds, telling her to leave well enough alone. Finally, she asked the woman who washed at the tub next to hers. The woman said: "What you are hearing is the Army of the Dead. They are Confederate soldiers who died in hospital without knowing that the war was over. Each night, they rise from their graves and go to reinforce Lee in Virginia to strengthen the weakened Southern forces."
The next night, the laundress slipped out of bed to watch the Army of the Dead pass. She stood spell-bound by the window as a gray fog rolled passed. Within the fog, she could see the shapes of horses, and could hear gruff human voices and the rumble of canons being dragged through the street, followed by the sound of marching feet. Foot soldiers, horsemen, ambulances, wagons and canons passed before her eyes, all shrouded in gray. After what seemed like hours, she heard a far off bugle blast, and then silence.
When the laundress came out of her daze, she found one of her arms was paralyzed. She has never done a full days washing since. 
Neighbors (two neighbours in the backyard) Fred: (looking at James' back yard) I've got to admit you have a beautiful backyard James. How do you do it?
James: Well, it does take time and patience. But I've also got a few secrets...
Fred: OK, OK, what do I have to do to get you to reveal your secrets? You know if I had the money, I'd just hire a gardener.
James: No, no you needn't do that. I'd never hire a gardener. Why, working in the yard is the greatest form of relaxation that I know of!
Fred: You're kidding, right?! I would never have planted so many trees if I had known how much work they'd require.
James: You see, that's your problem. Right there. You're attitude is all wrong.
Fred: Excuse me. My attitude is wrong? What does attitude hve to do with gardening?
James: You've got to love working in the backyard - that's my secret!
Fred: Love working in the backyard --- What! What kind of secret is that? I expected some special lawnmower, or a special type of gardening tool.
James: No, any lawnmower or tool will do the job. It's all in the mind.
Fred: I can't believe what you're saying. Let me see if I understand this: ...
James: It's very simple ...
Fred: If I had a better feeling about my work in the garden, everything would be wonderful. I'd have a beautiful lawn like you, I'd have healthy plants like you.
James: ... yes, yes that's it. You've got it!
Fred: ... all just a simple matter of enjoying myself.
James: Now you understand.
Fred: Look, can I borrow the tea you are drinking? Because, to tell you the truth, I think you're crazy!!
James: Oh, Fred, we live in modern times, but the old farmers know, what you put into the land you reap.
Fred: On second thought, I think I'll just pay a gardener.
James: Ha ha, that won't work.
Fred: Why not?
James: Because he has to enjoy his gardening...
Fred: Please, James, thank you very much for your advice. But, don't start in again!
Multiple Choice Questions 1. What does Fred admire about his neighbor James? His house
His backyard
His new car 2. What would Fred do if had enough money? He'd hire a gardener.
He'd hire James.
He'd plant more trees. 3. What does James say Fred do? Hire a gardener
Get a better attitude
Buy a new lawnmower 4. The secret to success in the garden is: buying the latest tools.
hiring the best gardener.
enjoying gardening. 5. What do old farmers know? Drink a special tea.
You reap what you put into the land.
Secret tips. Neighbors Multiple Choice Answers ANSWER: His backyard ANSWER: He'd hire a gardener. ANSWER: Get a better attitude ANSWER: enjoying gardening. ANSWER: You reap what you put into the land.
The world today The world today is in such a mess life's pace is fast there is so much stress Every day, there seems to be a tragedy, or a war that there will be a tomorrow of that, no one can be sure It's a world of space shuttles cars, and cellular phones yet there are millions who live, without a home No food, no money or clothes for their back but so called developed countries can spend billions on an enemy that they want to attack Perhaps one day his wealth, man will learn to share then everyone can live their lives and bring up their children in happiness, without a care Sent by Ramin Hamidiazar 
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