Crossing the Delaware

On that very miserable wintry night do in your mind fix
The plight of that Christmas night in1776.
Washington had kindled his army’s many a campfires
Deceiving a four-thousand strong enemy he aspires.

As his men quietly climb aboard their boats
George points toward the far shore and boasts:
“Men take us to that far river beach,
For we have us a destiny to meet.”

George in the lead boat standing tall at the ship’s prow,
While soldiers were rowing their crafts laden with cargo,
Oars dipping in the icy water’s of the Delaware,
Knowing that George had a bold plan to uncover over there.

Three divisions moved that cold snowy night
Twenty-four hundred soldiers ready for a fight.
Over the river he would meet Ewing and Burlington.
George cried, “By early light my men will thrash those German.”

To the south the night was cold the water too frozen
Such were Generals Burlington’s and Ewing’s burden
After much toil they never crossed the Delaware
And they muttered: “We’ll meet George in heaven or elsewhere.”

Thus by three o’clock on that early dark snowy morning
George’s legions arrived on the distant shore groaning.
Three divisions stood ready to off load their cold ware;
He ordered his men to, “Step on the shore if you dare.”

He split his army into two separate groups
Saying, “We’ll meet in Trenton with the troops.
March quickly and quietly to arrive at our destiny by eight.
There are four thousand Germans that we have to annihilate.”

After nearly five hours George’s army arrived with luck
And the surprised Hessian soldiers ran amok.
But George hemmed them in and kicked their butts.
Thus it was on that Christmas, our patriot’s luck.