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

[Marie]

Washington and his men were brave...because of them we not cross so easily and in peace...

[Rita L. Sev]

Yes they were; I actually think he'd be quite proud to see the crossing so easy...

[Frieda P]

Sometimes it takes just as long to get to joisey with the dang traffic! ha...great musings Rita.

[Rita L. Sev]

Ha! I was actually surprised that we didn't have to pay a toll to get to the Jersey side... ;) Thanks, Frieda!

[Frieda P]

Absurd, who let you in without paying a toll?! ha....you're very welcome my friend. ;-)

[Jack...]

I wonder if old George would stand a chance in Trenton today? Perhaps better than he would in Newark. :) Very nice history lesson here Teach.

[Rita L. Sev]

Ha! Good point... Thanks, Jack!

[Tom]

Indeed, how much has changed since Washington's time, ten hours it took him to cross the great flow and now it takes just a few minutes !

A well written poem and a good history lesson not just for youngsters but for many adults as well !

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Tom - We sort of live & breathe history around here, so it sneaks into my poems sometimes.

[Tom]

Indeed, the source of so many great poems, yours inclusive !

[Dr. Wood ?]

history in verse..I LOVE it

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Doc!

[Pryde Foltz]

All hail peace. It makes traveling so much easier. Enjoyable read, Rita.

[Rita L. Sev]

True - peace, and a bridge... :) Thanks, Pryde!

[John Lauterbach]

Very cool concept. Makes me think about manifest destiny and what all those travelers would do if someone cruised by them in a SUV. Or Sun Tzu and modern weaponry.

I especially like the lark line, the piece feels good to me!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, John. Exactly - how easy we have it compared to those who got us here!

[shallimarRose]

This is great. I suppose we could put that same scenario to many people and parts of history...
We've come a long way baby but we couldnt see the effects it would have.. This was a cute little trip accross.. xo shallimarRose

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Rose - I often wonder about things like this...

[Will]

Oh, there may be nothing I love on this planet more than I love poetry and history. But together? Oh my...

You do a fabulous job of telling this story, with great rhyme and flow. Awesome job.

[Rita L. Sev]

Ha! I remember you talking about your love of history before - so glad you enjoyed this, Will! Thanks!

[Will]

I'm certain I have, as it is a passion of mine. I truly did enjoy it. Write on, my friend.

[Angel]

I dunno...perhaps, if he could see what a great country we have become, he might feel it was all worth it.
On the other hand, if he could see how we have abused the privilege he fought so hard for, and so many died for, and how so many are taking our hard won freedom for granted...he might not be so happy.
Well done! A thought-provoking piece!

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Angel. True, Washington would have a lot to say about the country as a whole, both good and bad... but I was thinking just about that grueling night he crossed that river. He might be glad for our easy passage - but some part of him would just have to be thinking "Really? A bridge? Well aren't you just adventurous..." LOL!