Worksheet # 51 Home Questions Puzzle Links Next

FATHER TO A COUNTRY

And with new plans in hand, they started from zero

With all eyes turning to a national hero.

Sure hands were needed, and ‘twas plainly evident:

One man fit the bill to set the precedent.

Yes, known all throughout as brave and magnanimous,

Old George was picked --- the vote was unanimous.

As every move to be made on his shoulders would fall

To carve out a groove to be followed by all.

So Washington stepped forth to the land’s highest station,

President elect of our fledgling nation.

The crowds gathered and cheered as he swept by on his horse,

With faith to a man that he’d steer a fine course,

There was no doubt this high office all would respect

With the honor and stature this man did reflect.

But to mold a new future was to handle fresh clay,

And sage counsel was called for, to help chart the way.

So George called on his friends to have a part in it

(A group we now call a president’s cabinet),

And argue all sides over which roads to take

And what sort of country their efforts should make.

But one thing was certain: these states were united,

With no going back to when things were divided.

As Pops to a nation, George set a strong tone,

With purpose and poise and with mighty backbone.

And when riots broke out in the backcountry woods,

The moment had come to show how things stood.

As farmers and brewers and some local rapscallion

Stirred trouble and strife in The Whiskey Rebellion.

But George’s will was firm, there was no backing down,

And people soon knew: there was a new boss in town!

Troops were dispatched; the message quite clear:

These lands would see order, and law would persevere...