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

[Eddie Phillips]

HA! He would probably laugh and be proud of how far we have come. So many blessings we take for granted. This poem puts a little in perspective. -Eddie

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Eddie - I agree that George would be proud, but on some level he'd have to be thinking, "Man, where was that bridge in 1776?" LOL!

[ron]

I never knew it took 10 hours to cross. I have learned something new. Thank you.

[Rita L. Sev]

:) Always happy to be teaching! Thank you, Ron!

[ron]

And that is what makes you one of my heroes. Your love of teaching should inspire all of us to learn. Thank you for being the teacher you are. You have made my time in the Army worth while.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you so much, Ron - for your kind words, and for your service.

[ron]

It is I who must thank you for your services as a teacher. I have known only a few teacher who car about teaching the way you do. I tip my hat and salute you for your service.

[rutherford]

Well put history lesson that gives us perspective for what we take for granted now.

[Rita L. Sev]

I'm sure Washington would be proud, but there would have to be a moment of him thinking, "Really? A bridge?" :) Thanks, John!

[OTownPete]

Light hearted history lesson here Rita. Your friend in words, Pete

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Pete! :)

[Michael G. Smith]

The soldiers were each issued one roll of toilet paper and they used it to wrap up there feet because of the harshness of winters cold. Well penned. I love reading about history.

[Rita L. Sev]

Didn't know that about the toilet paper - fun fact! I have a few history pieces posted - handy in the classroom. Thanks, Mike!

[Glen]

I love this...and it is a history lesson. You're writing is wonderful

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you very much, Glen! I like history, and I am a teacher - that creeps into my work at times!

[TL Boehm]

a wonderful history lesoon
“You go across in moments
just to satisfy a lark;
you’re not met with loaded muskets
when at last you disembark?”
love that part especially

[Rita L. Sev]

I think Washington would be amazed, to say the least... ;) Thanks, Tammy!

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

This was great, Rita! I always learn something new, or am reminded of something that I have learned, but has been filed away, when I read your work. I often wonder what it would be like for some of histories greatest characters in our time. For instance, how would Bell feel if he was suddenly standing in Times Square and looking about at all the people talking on their "smart phones"...? Culture shock for sure! Well written, fun, clever and meaningful.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thank you, Sarah. I wonder too... I like that idea of Bell seeing all the cell phones. :)

[richom]

Very well written. The rhyming of independence and descendants is clever and fits perfectly. Regarding the famous painting that accompanies your poem, I doubt very much that Washington was standing up in the boat. Even artists take poetic license. I'm also in the process of writing a historical poem--about Gettysburg. I'll alert you when it's posted. Richard

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, Rich. Yes, that painting is full of inaccuracies - starting with the age of Washington. But, as you say, poetic license abounds... :) Please do send an RR for your Gettysburg piece - I love history and rhyme together! :)

[David Scott]

I can hear the teacher in you with this poem. I think this would be a great way to learn history.
I hope the school year has begun well for you and your students.

[Rita L. Sev]

Thanks, David. Only the teachers are back so far, making preparations. The kids come in a couple of weeks - I can't wait! :)

[David Scott]

Good... So the gut check is over and the anticipation is building! yeah!
I know you are an amazing teacher. May God use you to lift the minds of our children.