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