Worksheet # 35          Home Questions Puzzle Links Next

THE COLONIES DECLARE INDEPENDENCE

And the news with the wind swept over the land:

To fight Mother Britain did circumstances demand.

And those down in Philly were now speaking for all

While they argued for hours in a stately old hall.

In Boston meanwhile, with great pluck and great will,

The Rebs battled the Brits, up and down Bunker Hill.

(Indeed you may know, the hill’s true name was Breed’s,

But the misnomer lives on, one of history’s weeds).

Where Colonel Prescott did order, to save on supplies:

"Don't fire, my boys, 'til you see the whites of their eyes!"

While a far cry from combat, where the violence did rage,

Our keenest of leaders did grand problems engage.

But more than a matter of hated taxes and laws,

This meeting of minds saw a far grander cause.

As they gave hot dispute to a king’s divine right,

And believed a new nation of free and equal in sight!

Of high born and kings, these modern men spurned

And thought the time ripe for a people self-governed.

Yes, the PEOPLE would rule and would run their affairs,

With no kings, queens or nobles putting on airs!

And in high summer heat, the lawyer John Adams

Did ask of a friend to go write up some plans,

To tell England’s King and all else who would hear:

The American people their independence declare!

So young Thomas Jefferson wielded his pen

On a proposal so brash it shocked women and men.

As he claimed for all people, and for none to repress,

The right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

And this rebellious act, so momentous and bold,

Is still one as fateful as any that’s told.

For these men of their time, so devoted to reason,

To question country and king. . . amounted to treason!