Washington Takes Charge
by Michael Doyle

There in the balmy days of July,
Rose a people unafraid to die.
Striving to live for sweet liberty,
They would birth America in their dignity.

Washington rode into Concord's countryside
To round up his troops who had defied
The Redcoats on a certain bloody morning.
This followed alongside the King's warning.

Patriots rose not just to confront an empire,
But to set a world aflame with freedom's fire.
Though Washington had never led a major command,
He was determined to free America's great land.

One by one, the days of this world's long history
Is one of great people writing their own biography.
43-year-old Washington rode forward to arrive -
To lead a cause he couldn't be sure would survive.

Duty, discipline, and honor were the standards he bore.
There was little room for doubt in the courage he wore.
A rag-tag continental army held itself to loyalty
As General Washington rode through the camp elegantly.

Patriots rose not just to confront an empire,
But to set a world aflame with freedom's fire.
Though Washington had never led a major command,
He was determined to free America's great land.

A brave face covered his grim contemplation
That he had waited many years for his redemption.
For two decades, he had waited to right his story
With the American Revolution, he would find his glory.

It would be a daunting task that caused consternation,
But Washington stood firm despite his reservations.
From common sailors came the American Navy's birth
As each able ship and crew proved their worth.

Patriots rose not just to confront an empire,
But to set a world aflame with freedom's fire.
Though Washington had never led a major command,
He was determined to free America's great land.

Privateers had come to young America's rescue.
The cause and reasons for hope were few.
A groundswell had formed on the water to embrace
What it was that the patriots would face.

Sentiments aside, wars are won by the risks we take.
The goal is to do so without the errors we might make.
Caution to the wind, it was found that courage should be tried.
If we hadn't, even more would have died.

(c) July 4, 2026   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved