King Washington

      ...revolution was not undertaken to raise one great reputation, to make a sublime page in history. The cry of gratitude has made more men mad, and established more despotism in the world, than all other causes put together.
       JOHN ADAMS
      Rebellion came to revolution
      And revolution came to an end.
5     Fusillades of voices rose as one,
      Roses and crowns upon our sodden ground;
      A poet's tightened throat had Washington
      Who gave his couplets blood;
      No crowned Cato but a sharp American
10    Moved from where he stood.
           Human minds illuminate what no God understands.
      In that one man's overarching arm
      Flung above the alarming dawn
      In simpleness of a salmon's leap
15    Over black Atlantic's treasured heap,
      One man's insistant measure
      Holds a moment in reckless leisure
      The pursuing sword of Justice
      Bursting toward its flower:
20    Reality is not the reality of Power.
           Human minds illuminate what no God understands.
      Hidden torches sheer the river
      And a boat moves soft and slow;
      Quick voices arise there like silver
25    In impartial light's improving glow.
      Thomas Paine and Washington
      Alight with experimental joy
      Pursue foul ghosts from house to house
      Smiling like wild boys.
30         Human minds illuminate what no God understands.

 

From the collection "Divine Revolt"

Written by Gregg Glory [Gregg G. Brown]

More information available on gregglory.com.