Cheers and a Happy Independence Day Eve to you all.In March of 1775, the colony of Virginia debated whether or not they should create their own militia. Instead of meeting under the heavy heraldic hand of Lieutenant-General Lord Dunmore at the capitol in Williamsburg, the Second Convention of Virginian delegates met at St. John’s Church in Richmond….
The Voice of the Revolution
Richmond’s streets were cold and bare
But signs of Spring were in the air.
Like Christians from the Catacombs
Patriots stole past Tory homes.
To St. John’s Church in stealth they came
Risking death and a traitor’s name.
Once safe inside they paused to pray
That freedom’s torch would light their way.
The roll was called, the minutes read
Approved and entered as were said.
Each cautious vote was meekly cast
When Patrick Henry stood at last.
Then like a monk before his God
His voice in measured cadence trod.
The oak floor shook beneath his rage
The Bible trembled page by page.
He crossed his wrists, despair implied
“Our chains are forged”, he harshly cried.
He spoke of liberty and death
And murmurs rose with every breath.
Then undismayed by thoughts of fear
The Yankee crowd began to cheer.
The shouts burst forth like tamarind
And Henry’s words were on the wind…
In Williamsburg, where all was still
Lord Dunmore felt a sudden chill.
He shuddered as he stirred the fire,
And saw a raging fun’ral pyre.
A musket shot, a distant bell,
And muffled hoof beats broke the spell.
Reluctantly, he grabbed his sword,
And took his pistol from the board.
Sadly, he knew, but could not say,
That England’s fate was sealed that day.
© 1981 JJM
Here’s to the author Jack Mahoney, and here’s to Jay and Matt who will be taking a few days off as we celebrate the 238th birthday of America.
Have a great 4th of July weekend, and we’ll see you back here Tuesday.
IWS Radio
