Monday, July 4, 2011

By Blade and By Bullet They Died -- A Revolutionary War Poem


Before the day that blood was shed,
the Revolution was plied with words said
by pen, by press, and by speech.
King George then had little to dread.

The words were easy to speak, and though noble,
earned no badge of courage.
With the king we had yet to see trouble.

But tyranny does not sit forever idle
when want of freedom rises like a tide --
nor yet does courage stay in the middle.
Tyranny’s fist clenches
A king’s ears and eyes become wide
Men are sent to Prison,  to Death,
Mowed down in the street.
And with that tyranny we collide.
By blade and by bullet men died.

Patriots pledge
to country, to neighbor, against the other side.
Courage blooms in the fight for the noble cause
because life is dear
and death men do fear.

Yet for the freedom of men and women,
and sons and daughters here
from a distant tyrant, or near
From the rule of an oppressive king,
Men and women will ride with bravery --
do battle to choose their destinies.

Many by blade and by bullet they died
Who sought a free country
for they and their families, some toiled and some cried
with courage their only guide,
But by blade and by bullet, they too often died.

copyright (C) Brian M.Holmes

2 comments:

  1. Usually disinterested in this period, I genuinely enjoy this poem. The reader can feel the patriotism rise within!

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