Homage to George

II. 
Homage to His Excellency

Mr. Washington
crossing the Delaware,
ice upon his coat hem,
and fever upon his cheeks.

Mr. Washington,
the people would have
thrown themselves at your
feet,
you symbol of Freedom.
Would have declared you King.
And you would have refused.

Figurehead for infant
Republic, man of 
intense glory and faith.
Newly born citizens
protected in your grasp,
never in the shadow of
your stature.

For even Napoleon
mourned your death.

America wept her first
tears, bitter and righteous.

Parades and the out-pouring of
love, respect never seen.
The world aware of an acute
aching,
the loss of the great
president of the infant nation.

Losing its father,
America mourned,
but grew stronger.
Grew with loss,
and became 
much more
than he left.

President,
His Excellency,
George Washington.
America, indebted to
your love forever.