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