Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society
History Quarterly Digital Archives

Source: April 1982 Volume 20 Number 2, Page 72

Poem

Anne H. Cook

Page 72

(following a run through Valley Forge National Historical Park)

Parked at Knox'
Began to run - slow paced
along the loop trail
leading to Varnum's - just a mile or so
Above the chill wind's whistle
a honking was heard
(nothing visible yet)
till suddenly appearing
in raggedly loose V-formation
a stunning array of geese
a fabulous flock flying fastin southwesterly direction
Two Hundred and Fifty
(by rough count)
One for every year he lives-
our General George Washington,
Stretched and hailed
In wave of joy
"Hello you geese -
swift flying creatures!"

Returning - across a sun drenched meadow
golden grasses bend and sway
in stately sarabande
south all silver
west pure gold
wind with grass in rapturous motion
graceful and grateful
in rhythmic recall
of all those Brave Ones
Enduring still
on this beautiful Birthday

February 22, 1982 Anne H. Cook