Crossing

Time for another history lesson, kids!

George Washington took hours

Ten, to be precise

To cross from PA to Jersey

That wide river filled with ice

 

He took troops and provisions

Across the Delaware

To sneak-attack in Trenton

The Hessian soldiers there

 

The battle was a turning point

In war for independence

Heroic tales would be oft-told,

Impressing their descendants

 

Now, to get from bank to bank

A brief, two-minute jaunt

A fact that, if the General knew,

His fancies it would taunt

 

“You go across in moments

just to satisfy a lark;

you’re not met with loaded muskets

when at last you disembark?”

 

He’d shake his head, incredulous,

“Now that just isn’t fair…”

Remember this the next time

You cross the Delaware.

 

Author's Note

Went to Washington Crossing State Park the other day; on the bridge to get across to Jersey, we talked about how Washington might feel seeing us get across so easily...

Reviews

[Lydia Shutter]

What a unique write this is, Rita. It's unusual for a poem based on historic facts to rhyme...and then as well as you have rhymed this one! The world has changed so much and we often lose sight of that. An enjoyable read. Lydi**

[Rita L. Sev]

That is a fun challenge for me, to write a bit of rhyming history. I have a few others here. Yes, I wonder what the founders would say about it all... Thanks for reading and for your kind comments, Lydi!

[1]

Great poem! To me it was Edgar Allen Poe-esque in its rhythm. Oh the trials and sacrifices of those before us! Loved it from beginning to end, an intelligent write!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Reflection! I do quite a bit like this - history, rhyme, and silliness are often part of my writes... :)

[1]

You definitely captured the essence of all 3, quite nicely I might add! :)

[crazer]

fun read and gentle reminder of what our brave forefathers suffered and sacrificed for U.S.! Great job Crazer

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Crazer!

[SyberRose]

Nice one Rita...i think he crossed the Brandywine River too in Delaware...i lived up the street from there.

[Rita L. Sev]

He was one busy General! :) Thanks, Rose!

[Joyce S. Greene]

Love the sound of your poetry, Rita. It moves right along and never misses a beat. Hey, that mirrors the theme of this delightful poem! We have it made in so many ways nowadays and do we appreciate it? But then, George never got stuck in traffic, so he was lucky in some ways. Just some early morning pondering. Your poem is really delightful!

[Rita L. Sev]

Ha, true about George and the traffic jam... Thanks Joyce, for your morning ponderings!

[SteveB]

IF you don't use this in your classroom I will be very upset. IT is bits like this that kids will remember. Nicely done Rita.

[Rita L. Sev]

Well, I certainly do not want to upset you... Thanks, Steve!

[Angi]

You are a born poet, Rita! ...a born teacher, too! Do you teach history with poetry in class? I sure hope you do. All grins, here! Angi~

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Angi! I teach everything I can with poems... I won't have a history class this year, but I still torture the kids when I know they are learning a bit of history for which I have a rhyme... :)

[Angi]

I really, really love that, Rita.

[ANTO]

This is the way history SHOULD have been taught at my school. Laff out loud styleeee

Great witty and educational - ticking loads of boxes Rita as per...
X

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Anto - Glad it made you laugh. I'll share this one in school...

[ANTO]

I'd love to have the nous to make a wee vid using clips of the brilliant performance of Jeff Daniels as Washington to recreate this classic poem Rita - Id make it in a heartbeat

[Rita L. Sev]

Now THAT would be cool...

[ANTO]

Oh yeah... :)

[Sharon Kim]

Great write, Rita! I love the history and poetry combined. It is amazing what today's world looks like compared to the past.

[Rita L. Sev]

Something I think about quite often. Thanks, Sharon!

[Sami Khalil]

Thank you for refreshing our memories with great history lessons...Bravo

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Sami!

[Sami Khalil]

ou are welcome...:)