Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, WASHINGTON, by BERTYE YOUNG WILLIAMS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WASHINGTON, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Long are the years since he fell asleep
Last Line: "first in the hearts of his countrymen."
Alternate Author Name(s): Williams, B. Y.
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


Long are the years since he fell asleep
Where the Potomac flows gently by,
There where Mt. Vernon's green stretches sweep
Under the blue Virginia sky.
Warrior and statesman and patriot true,
Well had he wielded both sword and pen.
Truly, they said as they laid him to rest,
"First in the hearts of his countrymen."
Long are the years—and the land he loved
Stands among nations, grown strong and great;
True to his vision of long ago,
Proud of the hand that so shaped her fate.
Time but adds splendor to fame so fair,
Years but test greatness—and now as then
Sleeps he in peace on Mt. Vernon's hill,
"First in the hearts of his countrymen."





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