ON CHRISTMAS DAY

My boots wore out a month ago
so rags now wrap my feet
as I go through December snow.
I'm hungry, nearly beat.

That river crossing was a pain
and now we've seven miles to go.
My coat is just a great big stain
but I continue even so.

I now have nothing left to lose,
my farm destroyed and family gone
so I've but one route left to choose
as the night approaches dawn.

My powders dry, my knife is sharp
musket loaded, all is ready
to send enemies to hear the harp.
I hope my aim is calm and steady.

There ride general Washington,
the man who's kept us all together.
His will has kept us going on
through hunger, death, all types of weather.

Now there sits the Hessian's camp.
Most of them are still asleep.
Ere long their blood will make ground damp.
Silently forward I creep.

All eyes turn, awaiting the word.
Will anyone ever recall this battle?
Washington raises then lowers his sharp sword.
Suddenly guns flash and sabres rattle.........