"Native Guard" is a collection of poems by Natasha Trethewey, an American poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate. The work explores themes of memory, identity, and the complexities of race in America, particularly through the lens of the Civil War and its aftermath. Trethewey draws on her own heritage and the history of the United States Colored Troops, who were African American soldiers that fought for the Union. The poems reflect on the experiences of these soldiers and their contributions, as well as the personal history of Trethewey's own family. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, "Native Guard" examines the intersections of personal and collective memory, highlighting the struggles and resilience of those who fought for freedom and recognition.