(also see “BULLETS through MY COAT”)
BY GRANNY VEE
This poem recounts an incident during the French and Indian War about which George Washington himself wrote. It shows forth his bravery and willingness to sacrifice himself for others. More details may be found in the book George Washington’s Sacred Fire by Peter A. Lillback.
By Love of George“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:14)
They hadn’t yet all received the word that the enemy had run
They were marching towards a battle but the battle had been won
There before them was their own vanguard who were their very brothers
But from afar and in the dusk, they could not identify each other
Rifles lifted and took aim and fatal shots rained down
From ‘friendly fire’ bodies fell to the sullen ground.
Now some soon saw that both the flanks were of the selfsame side
But only George, without a thought to his own safety, took the fearless ride
His driving intent was to prevent more loss and he would need to dare
To go between the lines of fire, with bullets flying everywhere!
His sword unsheathed, upon his horse amidst fireballs he came
Boldly, he whacked the rifles up – off their misplaced aim
To the effect that bullets sailed off harmless into air!
So the lives of many soldiers, by love of George, were spared.
Yes, Washington, he saved the day and by Providential grace
George himself escaped unharmed, other mighty fights to face.
He was miraculously protected by the Great Almighty’s hand
Who had chosen him to fight the fight for freedom in this land
This brave young man of courageous heart had great tasks yet to be
For George was destined by the Lord to lead the charge for liberty!
(C) 4th of July, 2011 CAVenable
♥
WORD TIPS
Destined = coming about through a plan
Flank = side or wing
“Friendly fire” = a term for shots coming from one’s own forces hitting accidentally one’s own
Sullen = gloomy
Providential = advantageous, here referring to God’s hand bring the advantage!
Providence = a common term in colonial times for God and God’s will
Unsheathed = pulled out of its covering
Vanguard = advance guard or front line
Posted on July 4, 2011 by Granny Vee
